Islamabad: Pakistan's government announced on Tuesday its intention to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's decision to transfer the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital for medical treatment.
According to Anadolu Agency, a three-member Supreme Court bench earlier in the day directed that Khan be moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment and treatment within two days. This order was confirmed by Khan's lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha. The court also permitted Khan to remain in the hospital until the next hearing scheduled for September 16.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar stated that the government plans to seek an "adequate modification" of the court's directive. Tarar mentioned that after reviewing the relevant law, the authorities believe a review petition to the Supreme Court is necessary to request modifications to the order.
The petitions leading to the court's decision were filed by Khan's sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, a qualified surgeon, and other party leaders. They urged the court to mandate immediate medical care for Khan, citing his deteriorating health and the presence of several illnesses. Additionally, the court instructed the formation of a medical board for Khan's health assessment and treatment and ordered that he be allowed to meet with his family.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary initially responded to the court's order by stating that the government would comply "in letter and spirit," as reported by local broadcaster Geo News. He also claimed that Khan had already been receiving "the best possible medical facilities" even without requests from his party.
In the aftermath of the court's ruling, Khan's sister, Noreen Niazi, visited him in jail for the first time in several months. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 due to convictions in multiple cases that he and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, allege are politically motivated. The former cricketer-turned-politician, who assumed power in 2018, lost a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022, just shy of completing his term. Since his ousting, Khan has been embroiled in numerous legal battles, some involving state gifts and corruption. While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals remain pending in higher courts.