Table of Contents
Government Seeks Legal Clarity While Accepting Transfer
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ikhtiar Wali has stated that the federal government has no objection to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan being shifted to PIMS or Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment .
Speaking on HUM News programme Faisla Aapka, Wali said the government’s concern was related to legal complexities and that it had sought guidance from the Supreme Court on the matter. The government had earlier filed a review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s order, but it was returned due to technical objections .
Precedent of Nawaz Sharif’s Treatment
Wali highlighted that a court had previously ordered former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to be shifted to Services Hospital in Lahore. However, when treatment was not possible there, he was sent abroad on the recommendation of a medical board. He said a convicted prisoner is initially shifted to a government hospital for treatment, and a decision to move to another hospital can be taken if the medical board determines required facilities are unavailable .
Government’s Position on Legal Implications
The PML-N leader said the government had also sought clarification on whether the same legal provisions would apply to all prisoners, noting that the government was “trying to find a middle ground.” He emphasized that the government’s responsibility was to ensure the availability of doctors and adequate security arrangements, regardless of which hospital the prisoner was shifted to .
“There is no intention on the part of the government to stop Imran Khan’s treatment,” Wali said, adding that the government faced no threat from the PTI founder receiving medical treatment .
