Imran Khan's Hospital Transfer Preparations Underway Amid Health Concerns

In light of a recent Supreme Court directive, Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad is on high alert, ready to receive Imran Khan, the imprisoned founder of the PTI party. The order mandates his transfer for medical evaluation, responding to growing concerns over his health since his incarceration on August 5, 2023, for corruption related to Toshakhana gifts.

Khan is currently serving a 14-year sentence at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, linked to a £190 million corruption case known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Reports indicate that his health has significantly deteriorated during his imprisonment, sparking protests and increasing pressure from supporters and party officials.

As preparations intensify, security details have been meticulously arranged, with police, jail officials, and Rangers coordinating efforts at the hospital. Security checks and roadblocks have been established to control access around the facility. However, the exact timing of Khan's transfer remains unconfirmed, as decisions are still pending.

Should Khan require hospitalization, the chief commissioner is set to designate a specific area within the hospital as a sub-jail, ensuring that staff from Adiala jail will be present to supervise him. This arrangement is meant to maintain order and security throughout the process.

In a statement on X, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed optimism about the transfer, acknowledging the enthusiasm of Khan's supporters while urging them to respect hospital protocols for his wellbeing.

The Supreme Court's ruling was delivered by a three-member bench, which emphasized the government's duty to ensure the health and dignity of prisoners. Justice Shahid Waheed, leading the bench, noted that incarceration does not exempt individuals from humane treatment and necessary medical care.

This ruling follows a recent meeting between Khan and his sister, Noreen, who was granted access for the first time this year. They discussed his health and the court's order regarding his medical transfer. Noreen, after the meeting, opted not to speak to the media, raising concerns about her brother's condition and the treatment he has received.

Despite the Supreme Court's order, the government has filed a petition seeking a review, calling the decision discriminatory and outside the court's jurisdiction. This has further fueled tensions between the government and opposition, with accusations of inadequate treatment and lack of transparency surrounding Khan's health.

Source: www.dawn.com