We Do Not Want Institutional Clash: Justice Shahid Waheed's Statement
The Constitutional Court has jurisdiction over interpreting the Constitution, while the Supreme Court handles all other matters, as per a written order from the latter.
ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - September 16, 2026) - The Supreme Court has delivered a written verdict on contempt of court petitions regarding the government's failure to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital despite a court order.
A three-member bench led by Justice Shahid Waheed also comprising Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan issued the ruling.
Justice Shahid Waheed emphasized that the court aimed to prevent any clash between the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, advocating for both institutions to operate within their designated jurisdictions.
The bench heard petitions on Wednesday regarding whether fundamental rights issues in criminal cases should automatically be handled by the Constitutional Court rather than the Supreme Court.
Salman Akram Raja, Secretary-General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, argued that no constitutional interpretation was needed for Imran Khan's criminal appeal and that the contempt petition did not require any such interpretation either. He accused the government of deliberately neglecting court orders.
During the verdict, the bench noted that some petitions had been filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking relief for Imran Khan's medical treatment after the Supreme Court's order, subsequently leading to a transfer to the Constitutional Court.
The Supreme Court directed the Attorney General to provide guidance on managing similar pending cases. Justice Shahid Waheed reiterated the court's desire to avoid any contradictions among Pakistan's highest courts.
The order also mentioned that the Attorney General acknowledged this situation was unprecedented.