Supreme Court Dismisses Government's Petition on Imran Khan's Hospital Transfer

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has returned a review petition from the federal government concerning the transfer of Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to Shifa International Hospital. The court's registrar's office cited incomplete documentation as the reason for the dismissal.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja reacted promptly, stating that the government's failure to comply with the Supreme Court's August 18 directive was unacceptable. He emphasized the urgency of transferring Khan to the hospital for necessary medical attention.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had mandated the government to move Khan to the hospital within two days, allowing him access to his personal physicians while ensuring regular contact with his family. The ruling was part of a broader discussion on the treatment of prisoners and their medical rights.

The government had sought to challenge this order, arguing that it violated prison regulations and raised concerns about equal treatment among prisoners. The Islamabad chief commissioner’s petition highlighted that the existing prison rules should be considered, asserting that preferential treatment for Khan could disrupt the justice system. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar questioned the implications of the order, suggesting that all prisoners might demand similar privileges.

Source: www.dawn.com