ISLAMABAD: The relief recently granted to PTI founder Imran Khan by the Supreme Court was not a sudden development, with discussions over his medical treatment, family access and related conditions reportedly continuing for several months.
According to a report by The News, the possibility of transferring Imran Khan to a private hospital, allowing his sisters and family members to meet him, and imposing conditions to prevent political or media activity during such meetings had already been under discussion between PTI representatives and authorities.
The Supreme Court has now provided a judicial framework for some of these issues.
Imran to remain in Pakistan
The development is being viewed by some as a political concession or confidence-building measure. However, the report stressed that the Supreme Court’s order does not permit Imran Khan to leave Pakistan.
Instead, the court directed that he be transferred under security arrangements to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. A medical board will oversee his treatment, while his personal physician and sister will be allowed access to him.
This distinguishes the latest development from the 2019 case involving former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was eventually allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Family meetings had been under discussion
According to The News, the issue of allowing Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him had been discussed well before the Supreme Court’s latest order.
Reports from earlier this year indicated that authorities were considering family meetings subject to assurances that such meetings would not be used for political discussions, political messaging or media statements.
The Supreme Court’s order also incorporates restrictions aimed at preventing the hospital or family meetings from becoming a platform for political activity.
Medical treatment also part of earlier discussions
The question of Imran Khan receiving treatment at a private hospital had likewise been pursued for months.
PTI had sought his transfer to a hospital in Islamabad and access to his personal doctors. The issue eventually reached the Supreme Court, where Imran Khan and his sister Dr Uzma Khan sought his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
The latest order therefore brings together two issues that had already been under discussion: medical treatment and controlled family access.
No confirmation of a political deal
The developments have generated speculation about whether the court’s order represents a broader political understanding between PTI and the authorities.
However, the report noted that the available facts show that the issues were being discussed before Tuesday’s Supreme Court proceedings. There has been no confirmed announcement establishing that the order is part of a political deal.
Imran Khan will remain in Pakistan and under the applicable custody and security arrangements. His treatment will take place at a private hospital, while family access will remain subject to conditions set by the court.
The development is likely to remain a major point of discussion in Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly as questions continue over Imran Khan’s legal cases, medical treatment and the future of contacts between PTI and the authorities.
