ISLAMABAD: The opposition and the government on Tuesday sparred in the Senate over the treatment of PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan in hospital, with both sides accusing each other of contempt of a Supreme Court (SC) order.
On August 18, the apex court ordered the government to shift the PTI founder to the Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and to constitute a medical board, including his sister and personal physician.
However, instead of shifting Imran to the Shifa Hospital, the government took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), citing security concerns and shifted him back to the Adiala jail after the medical board declared him medically fit. The PTI and Imran’s family have been accusing the government of not implementing the SC’s order of shifting him to Shifa Hospital.
The heated argument broke out on Tuesday after presiding officer Shahadat Awan disallowed the opposition from moving a resolution concerning the implementation of the SC’s order regarding Imran’s medical treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but allowed discussion on points of order.
The opposition slammed the government for what it called “throwing the binding orders of the SC in the dustbin”, while the government insisted that it was for the court to determine whether the verdict had been implemented.
The session, chaired by PPP Senator Shahadat Awan, ruled that the matter was sub judice and could only be raised through a point of order, not a resolution.
PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar, who sought to move a resolution, said the Senate must uphold the “supremacy of the Constitution” and reaffirm its commitment to implementing SC orders.
Speaking on the floor of the house, Zafar cited the SC’s Aug 18 order directing the authorities to take Imran to Shifa International Hospital for treatment and constitute a medical board.
“Neither was he taken to Shifa Hospital nor was a board constituted. Even a machine to check his heart was not available at Pims,” Zafar alleged.
“Can any government refuse to implement a Supreme Court order? No, it cannot,” he said, referring to Articles 190 and 204 of the Constitution, which make compliance with court orders binding and non-compliance contempt of court.
“You may oppose Imran Khan’s politics. Do that. But do not play politics with his health,” he added. “Governments come and go, but the Constitution remains.”
PTI Senator Azam Swati accused the government of double standards. “When someone has to be given a benefit, relief is provided in judicial matters. Institutions were sent to Islamabad airport to give relief to Nawaz Sharif,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the government, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the state was “subject to the Constitution” and had complied with the SC order.
“The court also said security arrangements would be assessed by the administration. Given the law and order situation, he was taken to a government hospital where qualified doctors were available,” he said.
Sanaullah said a doctors’ panel had examined the PTI founder and declared his health “satisfactory”, after which he was sent back to jail.
“The matter is before the court. The report will be submitted on Sept 16. Let the court examine it and decide whether the order was implemented.”
He questioned why the opposition was “determined to prove him ill” when his own doctors and family had said he was in good health. “Do not do politics on health. If you are telling us not to, then you should also refrain,” he said.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called on the government to show “magnanimity” and implement the court order “in letter and spirit”. He proposed that a Senate committee be formed to visit the jail.
“Politics and politicians are being crushed. Who will run the country then? It is not too late. There is no benefit in contempt of court,” he said.
