SUPREME Court on Tuesday directed the authorities to transfer incarcerated PTI founding Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa Hospital for medical assessment and treatment until September 16. The court also ordered the constitution of a medical board comprising specialists and allowed Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Uzma Khan to remain associated with his examination and treatment. The order comes in the wake of a medical report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities regarding the health of the PTI founding Chairman.
For some time, speculations were rife about Imran Khan’s health, with his family, party and supporters expressing concerns and seeking access to independent medical assessment. The Supreme Court’s decision should, therefore, not only provide reassurance to his family but also satisfy PTI workers and supporters who had been demanding clarity about his condition. The court’s intervention should help replace speculation with facts and ensure that the former Premier receives appropriate medical care. Indeed, being a former prime minister and a prisoner does not deprive Imran Khan of the medical treatment to which he is entitled. The Supreme Court also referred to the fundamental right to life and access to medical facilities guaranteed under Article 9 of the Constitution, making it clear that imprisonment cannot become a barrier to necessary healthcare. At the same time, the court made it clear that the medical report should not be used for political purposes. The decision can also be viewed as a positive development in terms of lowering the political temperature. It is now incumbent upon both the government and the PTI to respect and fully adhere to the Supreme Court’s directions. The authorities must ensure proper security and access to the doctors permitted by the court. Equally, the PTI must demonstrate political maturity and refrain from turning Imran Khan’s health into a political campaign, as specifically cautioned by the court. His health should remain a matter of medical care, not political point-scoring.
