ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chief Commissioner has approached the Supreme Court seeking an early hearing of the federal government’s review petition challenging the court’s August 18 order directing the transfer of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The application asks the apex court to fix the review petition for hearing at the earliest. The government maintains that the Supreme Court’s order has affected its constitutional authority and raises questions about the court’s jurisdiction.
Supreme Court Had Ordered Imran’s Transfer
On August 18, a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, ordered authorities to shift Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The order required the transfer within two days and directed that Imran be examined by a multidisciplinary medical board.
Government Challenged the Order
The Islamabad chief commissioner, through the government, filed a review petition under Article 188 of the Constitution, seeking review, amendment and withdrawal of the August 18 order.
The government has argued that the matter goes beyond medical treatment and involves questions concerning constitutional and legal jurisdiction.
Supreme Court Registrar Returned Earlier Petition
The development follows the return of the government’s initial review petition by the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office.
According to reports, objections were raised regarding the preparation of the affidavit and facts, while one of the paper books was also found to be incomplete or not in order. The government was asked to address the objections before resubmitting the petition.
The chief commissioner subsequently filed a fresh petition after addressing the objections and has now requested an early hearing.
Imran Was Taken to PIMS Instead
The controversy intensified after authorities did not take Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital as directed by the Supreme Court.
Instead, he was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination before being returned to Adiala Jail. The government said security concerns arose after PTI supporters gathered outside Shifa Hospital.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar maintained that the government had complied with the substance of the court’s order, saying Shifa specialists were present during Imran’s examination at PIMS.
PTI Challenges Government’s Position
The issue has also triggered a legal response from Imran Khan’s family and PTI.
Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that authorities had failed to comply with the court’s August 18 directions regarding his transfer and medical examination.
The competing petitions mean that the Supreme Court is now expected to consider both the government’s challenge to its original hospital-transfer order and the allegations concerning its implementation.
What Happens Next?
The immediate question is whether the Supreme Court will grant the government’s request for an early hearing of its review petition. The court’s decision could determine whether its August 18 directions regarding Imran Khan’s treatment and hospital transfer remain in force, are modified, or are reconsidered.
The case has become another significant legal and political dispute surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment, health and access to medical treatment.
