Government Refiles Review Petition Against Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer; Decision Expected Today or Tomorrow: Rana Sanaullah
Government Awaiting Supreme Court Ruling; Concerned That Order Could Set Precedent for Other Prisoners
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said the government has refiled its review petition challenging the court order to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital, with a decision expected from the Supreme Court today or tomorrow.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Rana Sanaullah said the government had not set any deadline for transferring Imran Khan to hospital.
He said the government was acting in accordance with the Constitution and law and would wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the review petition. He expressed hope that the court could announce its decision today or tomorrow.
The development comes after the government filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s August 18 interim order directing that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The government’s review petition was initially returned by the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office with objections because the required paper books had not been completed. After addressing the objections, the petition has now been filed again.
Government Raises Concern Over Legal Precedent
Rana Sanaullah said the government was concerned that the Supreme Court’s decision in the matter could have implications for the country’s criminal justice system.
He questioned whether, if an order allowing one prisoner to be transferred to a private hospital becomes a precedent, every prisoner would subsequently have the right to seek similar relief.
According to him, such a situation could also create difficulties for subordinate courts.
The government’s review petition maintains that a legal procedure already exists for transferring prisoners from jail to hospitals and argues that the relevant authorities’ powers were overlooked while issuing the interim order.
The petition has also referred to Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
Rana Sanaullah Cites Nawaz Sharif’s Case
Rana Sanaullah also referred to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s transfer from jail to hospital.
He said Nawaz Sharif had been shifted from prison to the government-run Services Hospital, where a medical board examined him and recommended treatment abroad. Following the medical board’s recommendation, the government allowed him to travel overseas for treatment.
The government maintains that the same legal procedure concerning medical needs and the transfer of prisoners should be followed in Imran Khan’s case.
Meanwhile, under the Supreme Court’s August 18 order, Imran Khan was to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment, with a medical board also to be constituted. The court had also issued directions concerning his family members and personal physician.
Following the refiling of the review petition, attention is now focused on the Supreme Court’s next proceedings. The court’s decision will determine whether the August 18 order regarding Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital will remain in force, be modified, or be withdrawn.
