ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered relevant authorities to transfer incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital within the next two days for a complete medical examination and treatment.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the written order on several petitions seeking Imran’s hospitalisation and his meetings with family members.
The petitioners included Imran’s sister Dr Uzma Khan, his lawyer Uzair Bhandari, and PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai.
The order stated that “the prisoner [Imran Khan] shall be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, within the next two days.”
As per the order, the court directed the concerned officer/government, in consultation and coordination with the management of Shifa International Hospital, to constitute a “medical board comprising a physician, a general surgeon, a specialist in internal medicine, an eye specialist, and a cardiologist” for the medical examination and treatment of the prisoner.
Moreover, the apex court ordered that Dr. Faisal Sultan and Imran’s sisters Dr. Uzma Khan be permitted to remain associated with the prisoner’s medical examination and treatment.
“The necessary expenses relating to the treatment and facilities provided by Shifa International Hospital shall be borne by the prisoner or his family members,” the order stated.
The bench also ordered that until the next date of hearing on September 16, “none of Imran Khan’s family members, members of his political party, or lawyers associated with him shall disclose or share his health condition or medical reports with the media or the public at large.”
In addition, the court has also sought the complete medical record of Imran Khan, including “all medical tests and reports, prescriptions, medical opinions, examination reports, and details of the treatment administered to him from the date of his arrest until the present date.”
Meetings with family
The court also ordered the government and relevant officers to facilitate meetings between Imran Khan and his family members once a week.
In addition, the authorities were directed to facilitate telephone conversations between Imran Khan and his sons twice a week.
In order to maintain law and order during Imran Khan’s presence at Shift Int’l Hospital, the Supreme Court has directed the PTI and Khan’s family members to ensure that no public gathering takes place within the premises of the hospital.
“The prisoner, or any person related to or associated with him in any capacity, shall not use the medical reports or information concerning his health as an instrument for political gain,” it stated.
“In the event of non-compliance with any of the directions contained herein, such non-compliance shall be viewed strictly, and the facilities granted under this order may be withdrawn forthwith.”
The court further directed the government to move an application before the apex court in case of the misuse of the facilities granted under this order by PTI or Imran Khan’s family members.
“Likewise, if the prisoner or his family members have any grievance concerning the implementation of this order, they shall also be at liberty to move an appropriate application before this Court,” the order maintained.
Moreover, the court also directed the government to make adequate security arrangements for the entire period during which Imran Khan remains at Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
