ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for treatment, while also granting access to his personal physician and family members.
The court directed that Imran remain at the hospital until the next hearing and ordered the government to facilitate weekly meetings with his family as well as telephone conversations with his children. It also directed that his medical reports remain confidential and not be used for political purposes.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed was hearing petitions concerning access to Imran’s sisters and personal doctors, as well as the provision of his complete medical record.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Parliamentary Secretary Shahid Khattak assured the court that no political activity would take place outside the hospital.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan observed that other patients at the hospital should not be inconvenienced and directed that no political gathering, media talk or press conference be held outside the facility.
Raja assured the bench that political activities would remain separate from Imran’s treatment.
Personal Physician, Sister Granted Access
The court ordered that Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, be given access to him and directed the formation of a medical board comprising an eye specialist, a general physician and Dr Faisal Sultan. Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was also granted access.
The bench further directed that Imran’s family bear the expenses of his treatment.
Justice Afghan ordered that the former premier’s medical report be kept completely confidential, with PTI representatives giving an undertaking that it would not be shared with the media.
The court also directed that the medical reports should not be used for political purposes and warned that the order could be withdrawn if its conditions were violated.
Additional Attorney General Opposes Immediate Transfer
Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman opposed the order, arguing that the government had not been issued a notice and that Imran could not be transferred to hospital immediately.
The court, however, observed that access to appropriate medical treatment was a basic right in view of the former premier’s health condition.
The case was adjourned until September 16.
Court Seeks Complete Medical Record
During the hearing, counsel Uzair Bhandari requested access for Imran’s personal doctors and family members and assured the court that no media talk would be held after their meetings.
Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why Imran’s complete medical record had not been provided, noting that the material before the court consisted only of a summary.
The Supreme Court directed that the entire medical record be submitted before the next hearing.
The hearing followed the submission of medical reports that raised concerns about Imran’s blood pressure, anxiety and related health issues. A medical board had recommended more frequent interaction with immediate family members, greater access to reading material and measures to reduce stress.
Justice Waheed also questioned the restrictions on meetings between Imran and his sisters, observing that such access was a basic right rather than a favour.
The Islamabad advocate general informed the court that 48 meetings with Imran’s sisters had taken place over the past three years.
The bench subsequently sought a complete record of those meetings as well as details of Imran’s telephone conversations with his children.
Court Warns Against Politics Over Imran Khan’s Health
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan repeatedly stressed during the hearing that Imran’s health should not become a political issue.
The court directed that no gathering be organised outside Shifa International Hospital during his treatment and that neither his family nor lawyers share confidential medical reports with the media.
It further ruled that if the government believed the court’s directions were being violated, it could approach the Supreme Court. Imran’s legal team could also return to the court if the directions regarding his treatment or access were not implemented.
The order comes amid continuing legal proceedings over Imran Khan’s access to family members, doctors and medical records while in custody.
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