SC orders Imran’s transfer to Shifa Int’l Hospital

ISLAMABAD
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Adiala jail authorities to transfer incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment until September 16.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the interim order after hearing petitions concerning the former prime minister’s medical treatment and meetings with his family members.
“The prisoner shall, within the next two days, be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad,” the written order read.
The petitioners included Imran’s sister Dr Uzma Khan, his lawyer Uzair Bhandari and PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai.
Imran, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions he and his party describe as politically motivated.
Since his ouster in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal cases, including allegations of state gifts and an unlawful marriage case.
While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals remain pending before higher courts. Imran and his party continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
The court ordered the constitution of a medical board to assess and treat Imran. It also ordered that Dr Uzma and Imran’s personal physician be present during his medical assessment and treatment, with his family to bear the expenses.
Authorities were directed to transfer the ex-premier to the hospital under tight security and complete the necessary arrangements within two days. The court stressed that law and order outside the hospital must not be affected during his stay.
According to the written order, the board shall comprise a physician, a general surgeon, a specialist in internal medicine, an eye specialist and a cardiologist, in consultation and coordination with the management of Shifa International Hospital.
The court also ordered that Dr Faisal Sultan and Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, be permitted to remain associated with his medical examination and treatment.
The necessary expenses relating to treatment and facilities provided by Shifa International Hospital will be borne by Imran or his family members, the order stated.
The bench ordered that Imran remain at Shifa International Hospital until the next hearing on September 16 and directed that his medical report not be used for political purposes.
The court warned that any violation of its directions could result in the withdrawal of facilities being provided to the PTI founder.