The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a three-page written order regarding the case concerning the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a hospital.
Justice Shahid Waheed authored the written order following Wednesday’s hearing, in which the Supreme Court sought assistance from the Attorney General for Pakistan over questions arising from the Federal Constitutional Court’s intervention in the matter.
According to the written order, the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision to summon records of cases pending before the Supreme Court has raised constitutional and legal questions.
The Supreme Court said the questions require consideration of the interpretation and application of the Constitution as well as Islamic principles.
The order states that the Supreme Court considers it appropriate to seek the Attorney General’s assistance on the matter. It asked the attorney general to explain what legal and constitutional course should be adopted.
The Supreme Court also sought clarification on the extent to which the Federal Constitutional Court’s order would affect cases currently pending before the Supreme Court.
The written order noted that the Attorney General had sought three weeks to assist the court, citing the unusual circumstances surrounding the matter. The Supreme Court accepted the request and adjourned the hearing for three weeks.
The order also recalled that the Supreme Court had issued an interim order on August 18 concerning Imran Khan’s medical care. The court had directed the authorities to shift him to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.
Review and contempt petitions were subsequently filed in connection with the Supreme Court’s August 18 order.
The Supreme Court’s written order said that before proceeding further, the court was informed that the Federal Constitutional Court had called for the records of cases related to the matter. The FCC invoked Article 175-E of the Constitution while seeking records of cases concerning Imran Khan’s proposed hospital transfer.
The Supreme Court has now deferred further proceedings for three weeks while it considers the constitutional and legal questions arising from the FCC’s order.
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