ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties have decided to approach the Supreme Court over former prime minister Imran Khan’s health and alleged failure to implement the court’s order directing his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
The decision was taken at a joint parliamentary party meeting chaired by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Islamabad.
The opposition expressed serious concern over Khan’s health and accused the government of staging a “drama” over his medical treatment. It said failure to implement the Supreme Court’s order amounted to contempt of court.
The meeting decided to approach the Supreme Court on Saturday and seek implementation of its order regarding Khan’s treatment.
The opposition also reaffirmed its plan to hold a major protest and long march on September 27, inviting all opposition parties to participate.
Participants agreed to intensify political mobilisation across the country, particularly in Punjab, and continue their struggle for the Constitution, democracy, rule of law and parliamentary principles.
The meeting also backed the formation of a Grand Opposition Alliance and welcomed the decision of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other opposition parties to join the alliance.
The participants agreed to strengthen coordination among opposition groups and make the alliance more effective in Parliament and among the public.
The meeting comes amid a dispute over Khan’s transfer from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital.
The Supreme Court had ordered Khan’s transfer to the hospital and directed that Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Uzma Khan accompany him, while Khan would bear the treatment expenses.
However, the government has filed a review petition seeking withdrawal of the August 18 order, arguing that allowing prisoners to choose private hospitals could open the “floodgates” for similar requests.
The government also contended that the order was issued without hearing a necessary party and was contrary to the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
Meanwhile, confusion persists over Khan’s attempted transfer. While reports initially suggested he had been taken to Shifa International Hospital, the government said he was instead examined at PIMS before being returned to Adiala jail.
The opposition has rejected the government’s handling of the matter and decided to seek judicial intervention.
