ISLAMABAD: In the first official response from a federal government representative following the apex court’s directives, Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry affirmed that the administration will fully implement the Supreme Court’s order to transfer jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
Addressing a Senate session, Minister Chaudhry emphasized that the cases concerning the former prime minister remain under judicial review and that the executive branch will strictly honor court decisions.
He noted that leaders of the ruling alliance had previously sought and received legal relief through the judicial system when imprisoned, while criticizing PTI’s past rhetoric regarding the courts.
“PTI badmouthed the judiciary in the past, which was condemnable, but today their leaders are witnessing justice delivered in court,” Chaudhry stated during the parliamentary proceedings, adding that political objectives cannot be achieved through violent street protests.
Opposition Hails Ruling as Turning Point
The minister’s statement follows an interim order by a three-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, which directed the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital under heavy security and the formation of a specialized medical board.
The court also ordered his treatment facility to be declared a sub-jail, restored weekly family visitations, and explicitly barred political parties from politicizing his medical status.
Welcoming the judicial directive in the Senate, PTI Senator Aun Abbas hailed the decision as a fresh start for the political landscape.
Expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court for upholding justice, Senator Abbas stated that a new political journey begins today, noting that the apex court has ordered the PTI founder to remain under hospital care until September 17.
The government’s pledge of compliance comes as security agencies and capital administration finalize sub-jail notifications and deployment protocols to ensure law and order around the hospital premises during the former premier’s medical stay.
