2 weeks ago
Pakistan Government to Challenge Court Order on Imran Khan Transfer
Imran Khan is a former prime minister of Pakistan who has been in prison since 2023.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that he be moved from jail to a private hospital in Islamabad.
The court said he should be allowed to see his own doctor.
It also ordered officials to help him speak with his two sons twice a week.
His sons live in London and have not seen him since 2022 because they do not have visas.
Khan’s family and political party say they are worried about his health and access to care.
His lawyers have said he lost significant vision in his right eye while in prison.
The government disagrees with sending him to a private hospital and plans to ask the court to change its order.
The dispute could become a new legal conflict between Pakistan’s government and judiciary.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours.
The order allowed Khan access to his personal physician and required authorities to facilitate twice-weekly calls with his two sons in London.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government would seek a review and modification of the ruling.
Tarar argued that convicted prisoners must be treated inside jail or at a public hospital unless necessary care is unavailable there.
Khan’s PTI party and family welcomed the order amid concerns about his worsening health, eye condition and restricted family access.
- Who
- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Supreme Court, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Pakistani government, Khan’s PTI party and his two sons.
- What
- The Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer to a private hospital, access to his personal physician and twice-weekly calls with his sons; the government plans to seek review or modification.
- Where
- Khan is held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, while Shifa International Hospital is in Islamabad; his sons live in London.
- When
- The order was issued on August 18, and the government announced its challenge on August 19; the transfer was ordered within 48 hours, with a further hearing scheduled for September 16.
- Why
- The court cited concerns about Khan’s deteriorating health, while the government says prison rules require convicted prisoners to receive treatment in jail or at a public hospital.
Imran Khan’s Party and Family
Pakistan Government
Private-hospital transfer
Imran Khan’s Party and Family
Khan’s PTI party welcomed the order and called for its immediate, full and prompt implementation.
Pakistan Government
The government plans to challenge or modify the order, arguing that treatment for convicted prisoners should occur in jail or at a public hospital.
Medical care
Imran Khan’s Party and Family
Khan’s family, lawyers and supporters have raised concerns about his deteriorating health, including his right-eye condition, and support access to specialized treatment.
Pakistan Government
The government says Khan should be examined at a government healthcare facility, while private-hospital specialists could be involved if needed.
Family visitation and calls
Imran Khan’s Party and Family
Khan’s family supports the order for twice-weekly calls and has asked the government to issue visas so his sons can visit him.
Pakistan Government
The government’s planned review challenges the court order that includes the family-call requirement, although a parliamentary minister initially said the ruling would be implemented out of respect for judicial independence.
Key facts
- Prison status
- Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi since August 2023 after convictions in several cases.
- Court order
- The Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours.
- Medical arrangements
- The court directed the formation of a multidisciplinary medical board and permitted Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and sister, Dr Uzma Khan, to remain involved.
- Family contact
- Authorities were ordered to facilitate telephone calls between Khan and his two sons twice a week.
- Government response
- Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government would seek a review and modification of the order.
- Government’s legal position
- Tarar said convicted prisoners must be treated inside prison or at a public hospital unless required treatment is unavailable there.
- Health concern
- Khan’s lawyers have said he lost significant vision in his right eye, which has been affected by a retinal condition.
Quotes
Azam Nazeer Tarar
Pakistan’s Law Minister
“This order is not within four walls of the law. We will approach the court for a review and seek a modification of the decision.”
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“We hope the government adheres to the court orders, allows calls, and issues our visas to Pakistan so we can come and see him.”
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Sources
‘This order is not within four walls of the law’: Pakistan govt to challenge SC’s order to move Imran Khan to private hospital
'Not Within Four Walls Of Law': Pak Govt To Challenge SC Order On Shifting Imran Khan To Hospital From Jail
Pakistan Government To Challenge Supreme Court Order On Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer
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