ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to file a review petition before the Supreme Court against its order directing the transfer of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for treatment.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government had reviewed the Supreme Court’s order concerning Imran Khan’s treatment and would approach the court seeking reconsideration of the decision.
Tarar said the government had also consulted on other aspects of the order, particularly whether the ruling would apply to all prisoners facing health problems.
“There are many other sick prisoners in jails who are being provided treatment at government hospitals,” the law minister said, questioning whether the Supreme Court’s decision would set a precedent for all such prisoners.
He said convicted prisoners were already provided medical treatment at government hospitals and that the government wanted clarification on the broader implications of the court’s order.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered that Imran Khan be shifted to Al Shifa Hospital in Islamabad for treatment and directed that he be allowed to meet his family and lawyer once a week.
The court also ordered that Imran Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan, be allowed to accompany or meet him in connection with his medical care.
The court further directed that details concerning Imran Khan’s health should not be discussed publicly or used for political purposes.
Following the ruling, the government had initially said it would comply with the Supreme Court’s decision. Imran Khan’s sister was subsequently allowed to meet him after a prolonged gap, and she did not speak to the media after the meeting.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as an “extraordinary relief” for Imran Khan and alleging that PTI leaders were seeking an NRO for their founder.