Islamabad: (RightNow) The federal government has filed a review petition against the court order transferring Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. The government claims the Supreme Court’s interim order exceeds legal authority.

The petition states that under Pakistan Prison Rules 1978, a prisoner can be transferred to a government hospital, with no provision for private hospitals. According to the government, prisoners do not have the right to treatment by private doctors.

The government has raised questions about the court’s jurisdiction in the review petition. It argues that the issue concerns legal and constitutional jurisdiction rather than medical facilities.

The government states that Imran Khan’s appeal was scheduled for hearing for the first time, and the interim order was issued without notice. According to the government, the medical board’s report did not indicate a deterioration in health.

It is noteworthy that the government has requested a review of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order. The government argues that allowing private hospital facilities could set a precedent for other prisoners, violating the principle of equal treatment.