Supreme Court Returns Government Review Plea on Imran Khan Hospital Transfer

The Supreme Court on Thursday returned a review petition filed by the federal government challenging its order to transfer incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment.

According to sources, the Supreme Court Registrar Office raised objections to the review petition, which was filed by the Islamabad chief commissioner. The petition is expected to be submitted again after the objections are addressed.

Meanwhile, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed in a post on X that the federal government had withdrawn its review petition against the Supreme Court order.

Raja said there was no justification for delaying compliance with the Supreme Court order issued on August 18 and called for Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital immediately.

The development came a day after the federal government filed a review petition challenging the Supreme Court decision directing the transfer of the former prime minister from Adiala Jail to a private hospital.

The petition was submitted by the Islamabad chief commissioner through the Advocate General for Islamabad Capital Territory.

The government argued that the Supreme Court order exceeded its jurisdiction and contained an apparent legal error. It cited provisions of the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978 concerning the transfer of prisoners to hospitals and argued that prisoners receiving hospital treatment must remain under police supervision.

The government also raised questions concerning due process and Article 10A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process. It argued that relevant parties had not been given notice before the Supreme Court issued its interim direction.

The petition further stated that Imran Khan had previously undergone regular medical examinations and received treatment from medical boards. The government argued that medical experts should have been consulted before a decision was made to transfer him to a private hospital on health grounds.

Supreme Court Order on Imran Khan

The Supreme Court order issued on August 18 directed Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment within two days.

The court also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess and treat Khan. It directed that Dr Uzma and Imran Khans personal physician be present during the medical assessment and treatment, while his family would bear the related expenses.

Authorities were instructed to ensure tight security and complete the necessary arrangements for the transfer.

The Supreme Court also warned that failure to comply with its directions could lead to the withdrawal of facilities currently being provided to the PTI founder.

PTI welcomed the Supreme Court decision and urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital.

Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party have described as politically motivated. He has faced multiple legal cases since his removal from office in April 2022 following a no confidence vote.