ISLAMABAD, AUG 18: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday described the Supreme Court’s ruling to transfer incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital as “independent and based on merit”.
Speaking to journalists outside the Parliament House, the PML-N senator said that the PTI had taken too long to pursue the legal route, adding that if the party had opted for legal means, relief would have come earlier.
“The PTI placed its case before the right forum, and the decision has come on merit,” he said. Sanaullah urged the PTI to respect the courts even when decisions did not go in their favour.
He also reiterated that the Prime Minister’s Offer for talks had been available for a long time but had not received a positive response from the opposition.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment until September 16.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the interim order after hearing petitions filed by Imran’s sister Dr Uzma Khan, his lawyer Uzair Bhandari and PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai concerning the former prime minister’s medical treatment and meetings with family members.
The top court ordered the constitution of a medical board to assess and treat Imran, directing that Dr Uzma and his personal physician be present during his medical assessment and treatment, with his family to bear the expenses.
Authorities were directed to transfer the former premier to the hospital under tight security and complete necessary arrangements within two days, with the court stressing that law and order around the hospital must not be affected during his stay.
The bench further ordered that Imran’s medical report not be used for political purposes, warning that any violation of its directions could result in the withdrawal of facilities being provided to the PTI founder.
Imran, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions he and his party describe as politically motivated. Since his ouster in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal cases.
While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals remain pending before higher courts. Imran and his party continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry gave assurances that the Supreme Court’s order would be implemented in letter and spirit, describing the judiciary’s decision as a vindication of the government’s position.
He said courts were the only channel through which any path to relief could be found, adding that he had seen PTI senators praising the Supreme Court. “The PTI has now become convinced that the courts are delivering justice.”
Chaudhry said the prime minister did not have the executive authority to say anything contrary to court decisions, and reiterated that the prime minister’s offer for dialogue remained open and should be taken seriously by the opposition.
