ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan’s medical treatment triggered a heated dispute in the Senate Tuesday as the opposition accused the federal government of defying an August 18 Supreme Court order.
The Supreme Court had directed authorities to shift the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and constitute a medical board.
Instead, authorities took Imran to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns. Doctors later declared his condition satisfactory, and authorities returned him to Adiala Jail.
The dispute intensified after presiding officer Senator Shahadat Awan disallowed an opposition resolution on the issue. He ruled that the matter was sub judice but allowed discussion through points of order.
PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar said the government had failed to implement the court order. He cited Articles 190 and 204 of the Constitution and argued that compliance with Supreme Court orders was mandatory.
However, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the federal government had complied with the order while taking security conditions into account.
Read: Imran Khan Hospital Transfer Plea Refiled After SC Objection
He said qualified doctors examined Imran at PIMS and found his health satisfactory. Sanaullah added that a report would be submitted to the court on September 16.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri urged the government to implement the order “in letter and spirit”. He also proposed forming a Senate committee to visit Imran in jail.
PTI Senator Azam Swati separately accused the government of applying different standards in politically sensitive cases.
