Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital on high alert amid possible Imran Khan transfer

Islamabad's Shifa Hospital on high alert against the backdrop of feasible Imran Khan transfer.

Key points

• While Khan's sister Aleema Khan and cousin Qasim Zaman are present outside the prison, meanwhile, Dr Uzma and Dr Faisal Sultan have entered Adiala Jail.
• Imran Khan's transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital is imminent, with security heightened and legal formalities completed amidst administration discussions on prisoner medical treatment.
• As the report notes, senior police authorities, including Islamabad Inspector General of Police, have reached Shifa Hospital as preparations for Khan's feasible transfer have been stepped up.
• The developments came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two discussing Khan's feasible transfer to hospital and related security arrangements.
• Earlier, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry remarked the law provides medical treatment to prisoners and allows them to be shifted to administration hospitals when required.

Move comes days after Supreme Court ordered transfer of Imran to the hospital for medical treatment.

Imran Khan's transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital is imminent, with security heightened and legal formalities completed amidst administration discussions on prisoner medical treatment. Security preparations for Imran Khan's hospital transfer. Government's legal position on prisoner medical treatment. Clarification sought from the Supreme Court on its ruling. Add BRecorder as a trusted source on Google.

While security outside the hospital has been placed on high alert, Aaj News noted quoting sources on Thursday, arrangements have been completed for the feasible transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

While security personnel and the escort squad have been directed to remain on alert, necessary legal formalities inside Adiala Jail have additionally reportedly been completed. As sources indicate, the security team is projected to leave Adiala Jail with Khan shortly.

In practice, the developments came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two discussing Khan's feasible transfer to hospital and related security arrangements. The session additionally reviewed the overall security situation in the country and other matters.

Sources remarked the federal administration had completed its preparations regarding legal and other problems linked to Khan's feasible transfer, with final decisions projected to be taken at the last moment.

He remarked the administration had approached the Supreme Court only to seek clarification on whether the legal principles contained in its order regarding Khan's medical treatment applied to all prisoners.

According to Chaudhry, if the Supreme Court's decision applied to the existing procedure, the administration would fully comply with it. While it was additionally responsible for ensuring that legal, humanitarian and medical requirements were met, he maintained that the administration did not want to deprive any prisoner of medical treatment.

He remarked if the required and appropriate treatment was not available at a administration hospital, all legal options could be considered for better treatment, including treatment at Shifa International Hospital or, if necessary, abroad.

For context, the minister further remarked relief for individuals convicted by courts could only be granted through legal and judicial procedures, adding that an executive order by a prime minister could not overturn or alter a court-imposed sentence.

Rejecting opposition allegations of political victimisation, Chaudhry remarked the administration was acting in accordance with the law and judicial decisions rather than pursuing political revenge.

He remarked the government's move to approach the Supreme Court was not intended to challenge or obstruct implementation of its order, but to seek clarification on whether the ruling was limited to a particular prisoner or applicable to other prisoners as well.

Chaudhry additionally stated he would brief the opposition leader on developments regarding Khan's health. Referring to the May 9, 2023 incidents, he described them as one of the darkest days in the country's history, saying those involved had been convicted by courts and any relief would have to be sought through legal and judicial channels.

Afterwards, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated to journalists at Parliament House that the administration was bound by the Constitution and law and had once again filed a review petition against the Supreme Court's decision. Govt increases diesel cost by Rs1.64, petrol's by Re0.27 per litre. National Assembly passes bills related to military, National Command Authority.

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Taken together, the developments around islamabads Shifa Hospital on high alert amid possible Imran Khan transfer point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.