4 hrs ago
Pakistan court seeks records in Imran Khan hospital case
Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court is reviewing a dispute about medical treatment for prisoners.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is jailed and was ordered to be moved to a private hospital.
Instead, authorities took him to a government hospital, saying security was a concern.
Three other prisoners want the same treatment and communication facilities that Khan received.
They say the Constitution requires prisoners to be treated equally.
An earlier court rejected their request.
That court said the government is responsible for arranging prisoners’ medical care.
The Federal Constitutional Court has now asked for records from other courts before deciding what to do.
Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court sought records of cases concerning Imran Khan’s transfer to a private hospital.
The court also requested records of similar matters heard by high courts across Pakistan.
The case was brought by three Adiala jail prisoners seeking the same treatment and facilities granted to Khan.
Although the Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital, authorities took him to PIMS, citing security concerns.
The prisoners argue that constitutional guarantees of equal treatment should extend to them, while the Islamabad High Court said prisoner treatment is primarily the state’s responsibility.
- Who
- The Federal Constitutional Court, three Adiala jail prisoners, Imran Khan, and authorities are involved.
- What
- The court sought records concerning Khan’s hospital transfer and the prisoners’ request for similar treatment.
- Where
- The proceedings concern courts and prisons in Pakistan, including Adiala jail, Shifa International Hospital, and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
- When
- The Federal Constitutional Court heard the appeal on Tuesday; the prisoners approached it last week after an Islamabad High Court ruling on August 31.
- Why
- The prisoners seek equal access to medical treatment and facilities granted to Khan, while the court is examining related constitutional and legal matters.
Prisoners’ position
Authorities and earlier court’s position
Equal treatment
Prisoners’ position
The three prisoners argue that Article 25 requires them to receive the same medical treatment and facilities ordered for Imran Khan, including WhatsApp access to family members abroad.
Authorities and earlier court’s position
The Islamabad High Court held that a prisoner has no legal right to be transferred to a private hospital of personal choice.
Medical responsibility
Prisoners’ position
The prisoners seek access to private-hospital treatment and other facilities that Khan received under a court order.
Authorities and earlier court’s position
The Islamabad High Court said responsibility for prisoners’ treatment rests with the state’s administrative system and government hospitals.
Khan’s transfer
Prisoners’ position
The prisoners rely on the Supreme Court’s order directing Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Authorities and earlier court’s position
Authorities instead transferred Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, citing security concerns.
Key facts
- Court
- Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan
- Bench
- Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, and Justice Aamer Farooq
- Original order
- The Supreme Court directed authorities on August 18 to move Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
- Actual transfer
- Authorities took Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, citing security concerns.
- Petitioners
- Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Mohammad Ismail Hussain, and Owais Altaf
- Earlier ruling
- The Islamabad High Court dismissed the prisoners’ petitions on August 31.
- Constitutional basis
- The Federal Constitutional Court cited Article 175-E, added through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Sources
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