Islamabad – The Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment. The court has also directed the formation of a medical board comprising doctors from various fields for his treatment.
The three-member bench gave this decision while hearing petitions related to Imran Khan’s medical care and family meetings. The court has directed the government to ensure implementation of the order.
According to the court, the medical board will include a physician, general surgeon, internal medicine specialist, ophthalmologist and cardiologist. Imran Khan’s personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Uzma Khan, have also been allowed to participate in the treatment process.
The court has also sought complete medical records in this case. The aim of this move is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Imran Khan’s health by expert doctors.
The court’s decision also emphasised the basic human and medical rights of the prisoner in jail. The court clarified that despite detention, the prisoner should be provided with necessary medical facilities.
The Supreme Court has set a two-day period for transferring Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. It has also been directed to keep in mind the requirements of security and law and order during the transfer to the hospital.
The court has also directed that the expenses of Imran Khan’s treatment be paid by him or through his family. Thus, the court order has clarified the administrative and financial matters along with medical treatment.
The written order has also imposed restrictions on the issue of information related to Imran Khan’s health. The court directed that medical information should not be shared with the media or the public.
The court also made it clear that information related to Imran Khan’s health cannot be used for political gain. In case of violation, the facilities granted by the court can be withdrawn.
In addition, it has been directed to avoid public gatherings outside the hospital. The aim of this measure is to maintain security and normal medical environment during the treatment process.
The court also issued clear instructions regarding contact with family. Imran Khan will be allowed to meet his family once a week. His sons will also be able to talk to him on the telephone twice a week.
This decision comes at a time when his family and party have been continuously expressing concerns about Imran Khan’s health. According to the international news agency Reuters, his family and party have expressed concerns about his deteriorating health.
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023. Since his arrest, various cases have been a major part of his legal and political affairs. He and his party have been describing several cases as political in nature.
The latest court order cannot be considered an immediate release decision. Its main scope is related to Imran Khan’s medical care, hospital transfer and contact with his family.
However, the decision is politically significant. Imran Khan still plays a prominent political role in Pakistani politics. Any developments related to his health can have an impact on the political environment and party activities.
The court order also emphasizes keeping medical matters separate from political debate. This shows that the court wants to give primary importance to the opinion and confidentiality of medical experts in the treatment process.
In the next phase, the medical board report will provide important guidance on Imran Khan’s health and further treatment. The process of hospital transfer and medical examination will proceed within this judicial framework.
