The Imran Khan hospital transfer remains uncertain as the federal government waits for the Supreme Court to decide its review petition. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said Thursday that there was currently no deadline for moving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder to a hospital, despite the court’s earlier direction requiring his transfer within two days.
Government Awaits Review Decision
Speaking to journalists at Parliament House in Islamabad, Sanaullah said the government had again approached the Supreme Court and expected a decision on its review petition soon.
The Supreme Court had ordered the Imran Khan hospital transfer to Shifa International Hospital within two days after hearing petitions concerning his medical treatment. However, the government subsequently filed a review plea, arguing that the court’s order should be reconsidered in light of certain statutory provisions.
Sanaullah maintained that the government was required to follow the Constitution and the law while also respecting the Supreme Court’s authority. He said the government wanted clarity from the court before proceeding with the transfer.
“There is no deadline” for the transfer, Sanaullah said, emphasizing that the review petition should first be decided.
The government’s position has therefore created uncertainty over when the former prime minister will actually leave Adiala Jail for medical treatment.
Concerns Over Prisoner Treatment
Sanaullah also questioned the wider implications of the Supreme Court’s decision.
He asked whether granting a private hospital facility to one prisoner would create a precedent allowing thousands of other prisoners to seek similar treatment. According to the government, the issue could potentially affect the broader criminal justice system.
The adviser referred to the case of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was transferred from prison to a government hospital when he required medical treatment. He said a medical board later recommended treatment abroad, after which the government allowed Sharif to travel overseas.
The comparison highlights the government’s argument that medical treatment for prisoners should follow established procedures and medical recommendations.
Government Says Court Order Will Be Implemented
Despite its concerns, the government has repeatedly said it will comply with the Supreme Court’s final decision.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate that if the treatment required by Imran Khan was unavailable at a government hospital, authorities would send him to Shifa International Hospital.
This position suggests that the Imran Khan hospital transfer could proceed once the Supreme Court clarifies or decides the government’s review request.
Chaudhry also said the possibility of sending Imran Khan abroad for treatment could be considered if necessary. However, any such decision would depend on medical recommendations and the applicable legal procedures.
He explained that the government approached the Supreme Court partly to clarify whether the ruling applied specifically to Imran Khan or could establish a broader principle for other prisoners.
According to Chaudhry, there are approximately 8,000 prisoners whose cases could potentially raise similar questions.
Opposition Welcomes Possible Breakthrough
The issue has also generated a more positive response from opposition circles.
Opposition Leader in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas said the Supreme Court’s decision had created a positive political atmosphere. He suggested that relations between the government and opposition had been improving and expressed hope that the court’s order would be implemented.
The opposition has maintained that the Imran Khan hospital transfer should take place without unnecessary delay. It has also welcomed the possibility that the development could contribute to reduced political tensions.
Imran Khan’s Legal Situation
Imran Khan, 73, has remained imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party have described as politically motivated. Since his removal as prime minister in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal cases.
Some convictions have subsequently been suspended or overturned, while other legal proceedings remain pending. Imran and PTI continue to deny allegations of wrongdoing.
The medical issue has now become another significant development in his long-running legal and political battle.
The immediate focus is on the Supreme Court’s response to the government’s review petition. Until that decision arrives, the timing of the Imran Khan hospital transfer remains unclear.
If the court rejects the review petition, the government is expected to follow the original order and arrange the required medical treatment. If the court modifies or clarifies its decision, authorities will have to act according to the revised directions.
Both the government and opposition are watching the Supreme Court proceedings closely. The court’s next decision could determine not only Imran Khan’s immediate medical arrangements but also how similar requests from other prisoners are handled in the future.
