PML-N Leader Saad Rafique Welcomes SC Decision on Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer

Former federal minister says former prime minister’s health and safety must remain above political differences, urges PTI and government to act responsibly

Hamid Khan Wazir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique welcomed the apex court’s historic decision pertaning to the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan to Shifa international Hospital and allowing his sister and doctor to meet him, describing the ruling as a positive development that could help restore public confidence in the judiciary.

In a statement on Tuesday, Rafique said the decision had eased some of the concern surrounding Imran Khan’s health and described it as “a cool breeze” during the humid monsoon season.

PML-N leader congratulated the judges who issued the decision and said that if the move also reflected the state’s willingness to facilitate appropriate medical care for the former prime minister, that aspect should also be appreciated.

The seasoned politician stressed that Imran Khan’s health and life were extremely important and should not become a matter of political compromise, while urging both PTI leadership and Imran Khan’s family to demonstrate greater responsibility and caution in dealing with the issue.

PML-N leader said the responsible conduct of all sides could help create an environment in which further avenues for resolving outstanding issues could gradually open. Rafique recalled that he had previously spoken in favour of ending restrictions on meetings between Imran Khan and his family members and allowing access to doctors of his choice.

He also acknowledged the government’s position that qualified medical specialists had been assigned to oversee Imran Khan’s treatment and that, according to available information, authorities had not deliberately compromised his medical care. However, he said prolonged imprisonment could have consequences for any person’s physical and mental wellbeing, particularly when restrictions on family interaction and outside access remained in place.

“Those who have experienced imprisonment know that prolonged incarceration can affect a person’s health,” he added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that prisoners receive appropriate medical attention and have their basic rights protected.

Rafique argued: “If the prisoner is your political opponent, ensuring his safety and protecting his rights becomes even more important.” PML-N leader said it would have been preferable if the government had taken the initiative itself rather than waiting for judicial intervention, but welcomed the development nonetheless.

“Better late than never. Now both sides should demonstrate responsibility and allow matters to move towards greater ease for Imran Khan,” he added. Rafique further called for similar attention to the health and wellbeing of other detained PTI leadership, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhary, Umar Cheema and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed.

He said political differences should not prevent authorities from ensuring humane treatment and adequate medical care for those in custody. Rafique also urged political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric in the wake of the court decision. “There is absolutely no need at this moment for taunting, abusive language, or repeatedly recalling the difficulties faced during their period in government,” he said.

The seasoned politician pressed that the immediate priority should be ensuring the health, dignity and safety of political prisoners while encouraging a more responsible political environment. Rafique said political disputes should not overshadow humanitarian considerations or the responsibility of the state to protect the wellbeing of individuals in custody.