Govt says shifting Imran to Pims instead of Shifa a ‘security decision’, insists move not political

The Pakistani government defended its decision to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) instead of the private Shifa International Hospital, calling it a security imperative.

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The administration, IG police and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, the hospital was made safe and Imran Khan departed Adiala jail. But no security clearance could be granted.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry explained that security agencies assessed the situation as Khan was being moved from Adiala jail. They determined they could not ensure law and order at Shifa, leading to the redirection to Pims. "If they don't take up their responsibility and ensure that a building is secure, or if they believe they cannot keep a building secure, we have to listen to what they are saying," Chaudhry stated, emphasizing the decision was not political.

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When he was en route, our security institutions assessed the situation, and the police and law enforcement agencies decided that they could not control the law and order situation.

Despite the government's explanation, the opposition PTI accused the ruling party of contempt of court. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram argued that the government disregarded the Supreme Court's directive to move Khan to Shifa. He suggested the medical board's composition also contradicted the court's orders. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding the former prime minister's incarceration and treatment.

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If they don’t take up their responsibility and ensure that a building is secure, or if they believe they cannot keep a building secure, we have to listen to what they are saying. This is not a political decision.