Constitutional Court Questions Supreme Court’s Order to Transfer Imran Khan to Shifa Hospital
Sajid Ali | Published September 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Why a private hospital, and not PIMS or Polyclinic? The court questioned the order, stating that all prisoners must be treated equally without special procedures. Treating a prisoner in a private facility violates jail rules, according to the Federal Constitutional Court.
ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 14th Sep, 2026) The Federal Constitutional Court issued notices to parties and the Attorney General after raising concerns over petitions filed by three Adiala Jail inmates seeking similar relief based on the Supreme Court’s order allowing former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
During a preliminary hearing, bench member Justice Amir Farooq expressed doubt about transferring prisoners to private hospitals, asking:
"Why should a private hospital be selected for the treatment of any prisoner? Why cannot treatment be provided at government hospitals such as PIMS or Polyclinic when they have all the necessary medical facilities?"
The prisoners’ lawyer argued that superior care and facilities were the primary reasons for the transfer request, citing the recent Supreme Court decision in the Imran Khan case. The Chief Justice, Aminuddin Khan, further explored constitutional and legal aspects of the matter.
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, who previously approved Nawaz Sharif’s medical travel abroad, also emphasized prison rules and equal treatment, stating:
"All prisoners should be treated equally without discrimination in the eyes of the state and the law. The rules and regulations of the prison manual are clear and uniform… Separate procedures or exemptions cannot be created for any individual or political figure."
Considering the sensitivity and constitutional implications, the Federal Constitutional Court deemed the case as requiring formal legal interpretation. The bench admitted the applications from three Adiala Jail inmates regarding equal facilities and scheduled a formal hearing, ordering all parties to submit written replies by tomorrow. The Attorney General was formally noticed to present their constitutional argument either in person or through assistance on the upcoming day (Tuesday).
Related Topics: Hearing, Nawaz Sharif
