ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (Alliance News): Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday described the Supreme Court’s ruling to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to hospital as an independent decision based on merit.
Speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, the PML-N senator said PTI had taken too long to pursue the legal route, adding that relief could have come earlier if the party had approached the courts sooner.
“The PTI placed its case before the right forum, and the decision has come on merit,” Sanaullah said, urging PTI to respect court decisions even when rulings did not go in its favour.
He also reiterated that the prime minister’s offer for talks had remained available for a long time but had not received a positive response from the opposition.
Supreme Court orders Imran’s hospital transfer
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment until September 16.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the interim order after hearing petitions filed by Imran’s sister Dr Uzma Khan, his lawyer Uzair Bhandari and PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai.
The petitions concerned the former prime minister’s medical treatment and meetings with family members.
The top court ordered the formation of a medical board to assess and treat Imran, directing that Dr Uzma Khan and his personal physician be present during his medical assessment and treatment.
The court also ordered that the expenses of the treatment would be borne by Imran’s family.
Authorities were directed to transfer the former premier to the hospital under tight security and complete all necessary arrangements within two days.
The bench stressed that law and order around the hospital must not be affected during Imran’s stay.
Court bars political use of medical report
The Supreme Court further directed that Imran Khan’s medical report should not be used for political purposes.
The bench warned that any violation of its directions could result in the withdrawal of facilities being provided to the PTI founder.
Imran, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party describe as politically motivated.
Since his ouster in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal cases.
While some convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals remain pending before higher courts. Imran and PTI continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
Govt assures implementation of SC order
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured that the government would implement the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit.
He described the court’s decision as a vindication of the government’s position, saying courts were the only channel through which any path to relief could be found.
Chaudhry said he had seen PTI senators praising the Supreme Court, adding that the PTI had now become convinced that courts were delivering justice.
He said the prime minister did not have executive authority to act contrary to court decisions.
The federal minister also reiterated that the prime minister’s offer for dialogue remained open and urged the opposition to take the offer seriously.
