The Pakistani government has announced its intention to challenge a recent Supreme Court directive that authorized the transfer of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private medical facility. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar criticized the ruling, arguing that it sits outside the boundaries of established legal procedures. The government plans to file a review petition, insisting that Khan receive his medical evaluations at a government-run hospital unless it can be proven that public health facilities are incapable of providing the necessary care.

The court’s initial decision had granted the 73-year-old former leader permission to be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, while also providing him with increased access to his family and children via telephone. While the bench allowed Khan’s personal physician to participate in his medical oversight, the judges included strict caveats, warning that any attempt to leverage his health for political purposes or the organization of public protests at the hospital could result in the order being overturned. The legal battle over his care conditions continues as the case remains pending until the next hearing on September 16.