Editorial
Former prime minister and convicted prisoner Imran Khan was shifted from Shifa International Hospital to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after a large gathering of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, media vehicles and party representatives outside the private hospital raised security, privacy and administrative concerns, according to officials.
The development came after the Supreme Court had directed that Imran Khan undergo a medical examination by specialists. In compliance with the court’s directions, the prisoner was taken to a hospital where a specialist medical board examined him.
Officials said the purpose of the Supreme Court’s directive was fulfilled through the medical examination, while the subsequent decision to move him to PIMS was taken to ensure the process could continue smoothly amid security concerns outside Shifa International.
According to the authorities, an unusually large gathering of PTI workers and media personnel had assembled outside the hospital, creating difficulties for security arrangements and raising concerns regarding the privacy of the prisoner and the normal functioning of the medical facility.
The authorities maintained that the transfer to PIMS did not constitute a denial of medical treatment. PIMS, they said, is a major government hospital equipped with qualified specialists and comprehensive medical facilities.
Under established procedures, prisoners are generally provided medical treatment at government hospitals. Officials argued that designating a particular private hospital for a prisoner could establish an unnecessary and potentially discriminatory precedent for future cases.
A medical board comprising specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology and internal medicine examined Imran Khan and declared him medically fit, according to the authorities. The presence of medical specialists from Shifa International during the examination was also cited as evidence that the medical assessment was not compromised.
Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, was reportedly present during the medical examination, providing family representation during the process.
The authorities further said that the medical findings did not support claims of a continuing deterioration in Imran Khan’s health. According to officials, he cooperated with the doctors during the examination and remained in good spirits.
The development has also triggered a political dispute, with PTI supporters and party-linked commentators questioning the government’s decision to shift the former prime minister to PIMS. Authorities, however, rejected claims that Imran Khan had been denied medical examination or treatment, describing such assertions as inconsistent with the documented medical process.
The episode has once again highlighted the tension between the PTI, state institutions and the authorities over the treatment and medical care of the party’s leader. The government has maintained that medical decisions concerning prisoners must be implemented according to established procedures while also taking into account security and administrative considerations.
Independent political commentators claim that PTI has a long history of exploiting judicial decisions for political gains and this cult enjoys to taunt state institutions such as Parliament, security forces and even judiciary. PTI promised Supreme Court that it would not create security issues and would not allow it followers to gather at Shifa hospital where former prime minister under the court orders was sent for medical checkup. However, as usual PTI did not care its promises given to Supreme Court last night that force the local authorities to move the convicted Imran Khan to PIMS instated of Shifa.
