Pakistan Government to Challenge Court Order on Imran Khan's Hospital Move

Pakistan's government plans to contest a Supreme Court decision mandating the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, according to Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. In a video statement, Tarar asserted that the court's order does not align with legal principles governing the treatment of convicted individuals. The government believes that prisoners should be treated either within jail facilities or at public hospitals. A review appeal will be filed to seek modifications to the court's directive. This move potentially dashes the hopes of Khan's party and family, who have consistently called for improved healthcare access and visitation rights for the former premier. Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023, following convictions in cases he claims are politically motivated. His legal team and sons have previously voiced concerns about his deteriorating health, including vision loss in his right eye while in prison. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the court's order, urging its immediate and full implementation. The Supreme Court's order also stipulated that Khan be granted access to his personal physician and allowed twice-weekly phone calls with his sons, who reside in London. His younger son, Kasim, emphasized that his father's health is paramount and expressed hope for government compliance and the issuance of visas for family visits.

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This order is not within four walls of the law.