ISLAMABAD: Security was tightened around Shifa International Hospital on Thursday night as the deadline approached for the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail for medical treatment.
Senior Islamabad police officials inspected security arrangements outside the hospital, while roads surrounding the facility were cleared of vehicles. The heightened security came ahead of the midnight deadline set for implementing the Supreme Court’s order.
Imran’s sister, Aleema Khanum, also reached Adiala Jail amid the developing situation.
The Supreme Court had directed authorities to transfer Imran to a hospital for several days of medical treatment. The court also ordered the government to facilitate weekly meetings between the former prime minister and his family.
The government later approached the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the scope of the ruling. It argued that a broader interpretation of the decision could have implications for the existing healthcare arrangements for prisoners.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government had until midnight to comply with the transfer order. He added that the Islamabad administration was making arrangements to implement the court’s directive.
Speaking in the Senate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would ensure that Imran received the treatment required under the Supreme Court’s order.
He said that if the required medical facilities were not available at a government hospital, the authorities could arrange treatment at Shifa International Hospital or another facility with better medical resources.
“There is no intention to oppose or create hurdles in the provision of necessary medical treatment,” Chaudhry said.
He explained that under existing rules, convicted prisoners are generally treated at government hospitals. The government, he said, had sought legal clarification on whether the Supreme Court’s latest order altered that mechanism.
Chaudhry said the government would comply if the court determined that treatment outside the existing system was permissible.
In a post on X, the minister said the government’s move was not aimed at disrespecting or obstructing the Supreme Court’s order. He said clarification was sought to determine whether the ruling applied only to Imran or could also affect other prisoners.
He added that if the required treatment was unavailable at a government facility, all legal options could be considered, including treatment at Shifa International Hospital or abroad if necessary.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the government had filed a review petition concerning aspects of the Supreme Court decision and was awaiting further clarity.
Sanaullah said the government had raised technical objections because a broader application of the ruling could affect thousands of prisoners seeking similar relief.
According to sources, the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the review petition over an objection related to incomplete paper books. The government was expected to resubmit the petition after addressing the objections and making the required amendments.
Meanwhile, PTI announced that it would seek contempt proceedings if the government failed to implement the court’s order within the stipulated timeframe.
Imran’s lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, said he would approach the Supreme Court with a contempt petition if his client was not transferred to hospital before the deadline.
He said he had visited Adiala Jail to obtain Imran’s signatures on the contempt petition and related power-of-attorney documents.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed that the government had withdrawn its review petition after objections were raised by the Supreme Court’s filing branch. He demanded immediate implementation of the transfer order.
PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram also urged party supporters not to create any obstacles to Imran’s medical treatment. He said the former prime minister’s health should take precedence over political activity or public gatherings.
The standoff has brought the government and PTI closer to another legal confrontation. The transfer deadline is approaching as the government seeks judicial clarification, while PTI continues to demand immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive.