ISLAMABAD: Private hospital care for jailed political figures in Pakistan has several precedents, as the federal government challenges a Supreme Court order concerning former prime minister Imran Khan.
The government on Wednesday sought a review of the order directing authorities to move Imran to Shifa International Hospital.
Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi received treatment at the same private hospital while jailed in 2019. Doctors performed hernia surgery there, and he remained under observation for a week.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharjeel Memon received treatment at Karachi’s private Ziauddin Hospital in 2018. Authorities declared his hospital room a sub-jail during his stay.
Former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain was also admitted to a private hospital in September 2015. At the time, he was in Rangers’ custody and had complained of heart problems.
Read: Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan Shifted to Shifa Hospital
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif initially received treatment at the public Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in 2018. In 2019.
He obtained bail on medical grounds and later travelled to London for treatment after the Lahore High Court removed his travel restriction.
Read: Imran Khan Medical Report Prompts Alvi Hospital Call
Former president Pervez Musharraf also received specialised treatment while facing legal proceedings. However, he was treated at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology rather than a private commercial hospital.
