Imran Khan may be sent abroad for medical treatment if needed, govt says
The statement came during a heated Senate debate over medical facilities for prisoners.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government had approached the Supreme Court to clarify the scope of its recent ruling. He said the government wanted to know whether the relief applied only to one prisoner or to other prisoners as well.
Govt explains its position
Chaudhry said convicted prisoners with health problems are moved to government hospitals when necessary. He assured the Senate that the government would follow the Supreme Court’s decision “in letter and spirit.”
He also said Imran Khan would be provided treatment at a government hospital or another suitable facility if required. “If the need arises to send him abroad, we will do that as well,” he said.
Opposition raises health concerns
Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas raised concerns about the medical treatment of detained PTI leaders. He specifically mentioned Dr Yasmin Rashid and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry while calling for better facilities for political prisoners.
Abbas said Dr Yasmin Rashid was facing serious health difficulties and needed proper medical care. He urged the government to consider her treatment on humanitarian grounds and asked that she be moved to a hospital or placed under house arrest.
Debate over political prisoners
The opposition leader said the prison system had “collapsed” and argued that political differences should not prevent prisoners from receiving proper healthcare. He also called for the Supreme Court’s recent decision concerning Imran Khan to be implemented.
Chaudhry responded that Dr Rashid and Senator Chaudhry were “respectable” to the government. However, he referred to the May 9 cases and said convictions had been handed down by courts, meaning any relief would have to come through legal or judicial channels.
Govt seeks Supreme Court clarification
Chaudhry later explained on X that the government’s Supreme Court petition was “not to disrespect the decision or obstruct its implementation”. He said the purpose was to obtain legal clarification about whether the ruling applied only to a specific prisoner or also covered other prisoners.
He said convicted prisoners are provided medical facilities under existing laws. He added that treatment can also be provided in government hospitals when necessary.
Treatment options could expand
The minister said that if suitable treatment for Imran Khan is not available at a government hospital, the government could consider legal options for better care. These could include treatment at Shifa Hospital or, if necessary, treatment abroad.
Chaudhry stressed that people convicted by courts can receive relief only through legal and judicial procedures. He said sentences cannot be ended or changed through an administrative order issued by the prime minister.
Senate protest over Dr Yasmin Rashid
The minister’s comments about Dr Yasmin Rashid triggered a protest from opposition senators. Abbas later rejected the claim that she was involved in the attack on the Corps Commander House, calling it an “allegation and slander”.
Chaudhry said the government would discuss Dr Rashid’s health with the Punjab government. He also said he would brief the opposition leader about the matter.
The government’s statement puts medical treatment for Imran Khan back at the centre of political debate. However, sending him abroad would depend on medical need, legal requirements and the relevant judicial process.
The Supreme Court’s clarification could also affect how the recent ruling is applied to other prisoners. For now, the government has indicated that it is keeping several treatment options open while seeking legal guidance.
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