Pakistan’s federal government has filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s order to transfer former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital. The move comes a day after the top court directed authorities to shift Khan from prison to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment and treatment.
The review petition has been filed by the Chief Commissioner Islamabad through the Advocate General Islamabad. The government has challenged the Supreme Court’s interim order issued on August 18, arguing that the directive requiring Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital goes beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
According to the petition, the August 18 interim order should be reconsidered because, in the government’s view, it exceeds the court’s legal authority. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had already indicated that the government would challenge the decision, arguing that prisoner medical treatment should generally be handled through government medical facilities or prison arrangements.
The Supreme Court on August 18 ordered that Imran Khan be transferred from prison to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination. The court also directed the formation of a medical board comprising specialists, including Khan’s personal physician, to assess his condition and recommend treatment.
The hospital transfer issue follows months of concerns raised by Khan’s family and lawyers about his health and access to specialist medical care. Reports have particularly highlighted concerns regarding his eyesight. The government has disputed some claims about the severity of his condition, while Khan’s legal team has continued to seek specialist treatment.
