The government has presented conflicting statements regarding the deadline for transferring former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a hospital. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar indicated that authorities have until midnight to carry out the transfer, while Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah asserted that no specific deadline exists.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House on Thursday, Tarar emphasized that the Supreme Court’s directive to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad still allowed time until 12 midnight to be executed. He added that the responsibility for making the necessary arrangements lies with the Islamabad administration, which is actively managing the process. When asked whether Khan would indeed be shifted, Tarar responded that there was still time and the situation would unfold accordingly.
Meanwhile, Rana Sanaullah clarified that the government is awaiting a decision on its review petition against the Supreme Court’s order and that no fixed deadline has been set for Khan’s hospital transfer. He stressed that the government is bound by constitutional and legal obligations, adding that the court’s verdict could have significant implications for the criminal justice system. Sanaullah questioned whether permitting the transfer of a prisoner to a private hospital might set a precedent, potentially compelling subordinate courts to approve similar requests in the future.
In a notable reference, Sanaullah cited the case of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, explaining that Sharif’s medical treatment followed recommendations from a medical board. Sharif was initially taken to a government services hospital, where a medical board recommended treatment abroad, which the government subsequently authorized.
In a significant development, the government is preparing to refile its review petition after the Supreme Court’s Registrar’s Office returned the initial submission due to objections, including concerns over the completeness of the documentation. Officials indicated that an amended petition with additional arguments would be presented to the Supreme Court shortly.
Sources revealed that preparations for Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital had been completed, with the move potentially occurring on Thursday night as the deadline approached. This situation has reignited debate between the government and opposition regarding the healthcare provided to political prisoners.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded immediate enforcement of the Supreme Court’s order and improved medical facilities for incarcerated political figures, while the government maintains it must follow legal protocols pending the review petition’s outcome.
The issue also surfaced in the Senate, where Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas raised concerns about the health conditions of imprisoned PTI leaders and the broader criminal justice system. He underscored the government’s responsibility to ensure adequate healthcare for prisoners. Nasir Abbas highlighted the case of PTI leader and former Punjab health minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who is imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail on terrorism-related charges and suffers from cancer and asthma. He claimed that her medical care has been insufficient, noting her deteriorating condition and limited mobility due to a spinal ailment.
Nasir Abbas also expressed worry over Senator Ejaz Chaudhry’s health, citing his heart and kidney issues and significant weight loss. He emphasized that politicians facing terrorism charges deserve proper medical treatment regardless of their political affiliation. Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision on Khan’s hospital transfer, Nasir Abbas argued that the government is constitutionally obligated under Article 190 to comply with the court’s orders. He urged the administration to implement the directive promptly to restore public trust and foster unity.
The controversy surrounding Imran Khan’s medical treatment continues as he remains detained in Adiala Jail. The potential transfer to a private hospital remains a contentious legal and political issue, with the government pursuing further judicial review while opposition parties call for immediate enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
