Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Thursday returned the federal government’s review petition challenging its order to transfer incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
The petition was returned by the Supreme Court registrar’s office because the government had submitted incomplete paper books. The government may now address the objections and file the review petition again, according to an informed source.
The development comes two days after a three-member SC bench ordered authorities to move Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital within two days for medical examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.
The bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, also allowed Imran Khan’s personal physician and sister to remain involved in his medical care.
The court further directed authorities to facilitate regular contact between the incarcerated PTI founder and his family and provide his family access to relevant medical records.
Govt challenges SC order
The federal government had filed the review petition on Wednesday under Article 188 of the Constitution, asking the Supreme Court to reconsider and recall its August 18 directive.
The government argued that the order did not adequately take into account Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, which sets out procedures for transferring prisoners to hospitals.
It maintained that permitting treatment at a private hospital could create an unequal standard for prisoners and potentially affect the uniform application of prison and criminal justice rules.
The government also invoked Article 25 of the Constitution, arguing that all citizens are entitled to equal treatment under the law.
PTI demands immediate implementation
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja criticised the government following the return of the review petition and called for immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s order.
He said there was no justification for delaying Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital and urged authorities to comply with the court directive.
The PTI also criticised government ministers for publicly commenting on Imran Khan’s health and treatment, describing the remarks as politically motivated and inappropriate.
Govt defends Imran Khan’s treatment
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran Khan was already receiving medical care under applicable prison regulations and legal provisions.
He maintained that the government had not politicised the former prime minister’s health and said medical treatment would continue in accordance with established rules.
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also questioned the demand for treatment at a private hospital, arguing that similar facilities would have implications for the broader prison system.
The latest development keeps the dispute over Imran Khan’s hospital transfer, medical treatment and prison facilities before the Supreme Court, with the government potentially seeking to refile its review petition after addressing the registrar’s objections.
