ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani officials have approached the Supreme Court to reconsider or rescind its directive that mandates a medical examination for former Prime Minister Imran Khan at a private hospital of his preference.
The legal move by the government could exacerbate the discontent among Khan’s followers concerning his treatment while detained. This development might also heighten the existing tensions with Khan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and his family, who advocate for medical care at a facility of his choice and request more frequent prison visits.
This petition follows a court order directing authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical assessment by a board that includes his personal doctor.
Government officials have stated that Khan will be transported to public hospitals for any necessary medical care not available within the prison. Khan has previously been taken to a government facility for treatment of an eye condition.
In the petition, the chief commissioner of Islamabad contended that the court’s decision was made without prior notification and emphasized that Pakistan’s constitution ensures equal treatment for all.
“The Constitution abhors discrimination and favoritism,” stated the petition, suggesting that providing a convicted individual with private hospital care when immediate treatment is not required might disrupt the criminal justice system.
The implementation of the court’s order is argued in the petition to potentially lead other prisoners to seek similar medical privileges outside the prison, which is against the established prison protocols.
The petition labeled the court’s directive as “discriminatory” and warned that unless it is rescinded, it might “open a flood gate” for prisoners seeking comparable relief, which the current legal framework cannot accommodate.
The court’s decision followed Khan’s earlier request for transfer from a high-security prison to a hospital and for access to his personal healthcare providers, family, and legal advisors.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on Wednesday that the government does not oppose providing Khan with medical attention, which will continue in line with prison regulations. However, the government is contesting the aspect of the Supreme Court’s order requiring Khan’s treatment at a private hospital.
“There is no ambiguity” concerning Khan’s medical treatment, Tarar emphasized, adding that health matters should remain detached from political discourse.
Concerns regarding Khan’s health escalated in late January when his family claimed he had lost about 85% of the vision in his right eye, a claim that the government disputed. Officials later reported that Khan had regained approximately 70% of his vision and that his condition was improving.
The former cricket star turned politician was removed from his position through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has been incarcerated since 2023 following convictions in numerous cases.
Supporters of Khan have consistently organized rallies across the nation demanding his release, with some gatherings resulting in violence.
