Rana Sanaullah calls Imran hospital ruling merit-based

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has described the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital as an independent ruling based on merit.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House on Tuesday, Sanaullah said the PTI had eventually approached the appropriate legal forum and received relief through the court. He said the party should respect judicial decisions, even when verdicts do not meet its expectations.

Sanaullah also reiterated the government’s offer for dialogue, saying the prime minister had repeatedly invited the opposition to talks. He urged the PTI to respond positively and engage in serious negotiations.

The remarks came hours after the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment until September 16.

A three-member bench led by Justice Shahid Waheed, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the interim order while hearing petitions concerning Imran’s medical care and meetings with family members.

The court directed authorities to establish a medical board to examine and treat the former prime minister. It also allowed his sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and his personal physician to remain involved in the medical assessment and treatment. The expenses will be covered by Imran’s family.

Authorities have been instructed to complete arrangements for his transfer within two days and ensure strict security around the hospital. The court also made it clear that public order must not be disrupted during his stay.

The Supreme Court further directed that Imran’s medical report should not be used for political purposes. It warned that failure to comply with the court’s directions could lead to the withdrawal of facilities granted to the PTI founder.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry separately assured that the government would implement the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit. He said the government had no option but to follow judicial decisions.

Chaudhry also argued that the courts remained the proper constitutional avenue for seeking relief. He pointed to PTI members’ positive reaction to the Supreme Court ruling as evidence that the party continued to have confidence in the judicial process.

Imran Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 and remains involved in several legal cases. He and the PTI have repeatedly rejected allegations against him and described several cases as politically motivated.