Senate erupts over Imran Khan’s medical treatment

The Senate witnessed a heated exchange between the opposition and government benches on Tuesday over the medical treatment of PTI

ISLAMABAD: The Senate witnessed a heated exchange between the opposition and government benches on Tuesday over the medical treatment of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

The dispute centred on the implementation of an August 18 Supreme Court order concerning Imran Khan’s treatment. The court had directed authorities to shift him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and form a medical board that would include his sister and personal physician.

The government, however, took Imran Khan to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns. He was later returned to Adiala Jail after doctors declared him medically fit.

The opposition accused the government of failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions. The government rejected the allegation and maintained that the authorities had acted within the framework of the court order.

The issue came up after PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar sought permission to move a resolution regarding the Supreme Court’s directions. Presiding Officer Shahadat Awan did not allow the resolution, ruling that the matter was sub judice. Opposition senators were instead allowed to raise the issue through points of order.

Zafar argued that Parliament must uphold the Constitution and ensure compliance with decisions of the Supreme Court. He claimed that Imran Khan had neither been shifted to Shifa International Hospital nor examined by the medical board mentioned in the court’s order.

He also alleged that the required facilities for examining the PTI founder were not available at PIMS.

Zafar said political differences should not affect a person’s access to medical care. He urged the government to separate Imran Khan’s political status from his health and medical needs.

PTI Senator Azam Swati also criticised the government, accusing it of adopting different standards in dealing with political figures. He cited previous instances in which government institutions had facilitated political leaders.

The government defended its position through Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah. He said the state had complied with the Supreme Court’s directions while taking security considerations into account.

Sanaullah said the court had also allowed the administration to assess security arrangements. He maintained that Imran Khan was therefore taken to a government hospital where qualified doctors were available.

According to Sanaullah, a panel of doctors examined Imran Khan and found his condition satisfactory. He said the PTI founder was subsequently returned to jail.

The adviser said the matter was already before the Supreme Court and a report would be submitted on September 16. He argued that the court itself should determine whether its order had been properly implemented.

Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas urged the government to demonstrate political maturity and implement the Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit.

He also proposed forming a Senate committee to visit Imran Khan in jail and assess the situation.