Govt asks SC to review Imran Khan hospital transfer decision
Govt seeks review of Supreme Court order
The federal government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the order concerning the hospital transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The petition was filed by the Islamabad Chief Commissioner through the Advocate General. The government has asked the top court to reconsider its decision and argued that the order went beyond its jurisdiction.
The government’s move comes after the Supreme Court directed authorities to transfer Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.
Justice Shahid Waheed had directed the jail administration to facilitate the transfer. The order also stated that Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Uzma Khan would accompany Imran Khan during his hospital stay.
Government raises legal objections
In its review petition, the government referred to the legal process governing the transfer of prisoners to hospitals.
It argued that approval from the relevant authorities may be required in certain situations before a prisoner can be shifted from jail to a hospital.
The government also said prisoners receiving treatment outside jail are required to remain under police supervision. It maintained that the existing Prison Rules already provide a procedure for moving inmates to hospitals when necessary.
The petition further referred to Article 10-A of the Constitution, which protects the right to a fair trial and due process.
The government argued that the matter had reached the Supreme Court for the first time and that relief was granted without properly serving notices to all relevant parties.
Govt questions need for hospitalisation
The federal government also disputed the suggestion that Imran Khan’s health had deteriorated to a level requiring hospitalisation.
According to the petition, Imran Khan has been receiving regular medical examinations while in prison. It said several medical boards and doctors have examined or treated him during his detention.
The government argued that the Supreme Court should have obtained an expert medical opinion before ordering his transfer to the hospital.
It maintained that a medical assessment would help determine whether hospital treatment was genuinely required or whether his condition could continue to be managed under the existing arrangements.
The petition also stressed that all citizens should receive equal treatment under the law.
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Background of Imran Khan’s legal case
The government’s petition also referred to Imran Khan’s conviction in the Toshakhana case.
According to the petition, an Additional Sessions Judge sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison on August 5, 2023. An appeal against the conviction was later filed before the Islamabad High Court.
Imran Khan subsequently sought permission to be transferred to hospital under Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The Islamabad High Court rejected that request on March 12, 2026. An appeal was then filed before the Supreme Court, bringing the issue before the country’s top court.
The latest review petition means the government is now asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its earlier decision regarding Imran Khan’s medical transfer.
