ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has directed Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan to appear personally before the bench during proceedings concerning the possible transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
A three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed was hearing the case when the court staff informed the judges that Additional Attorney General Rana Asad had marked his attendance but was not present in the courtroom at that time.
Justice Shahid Waheed directed that the Attorney General appear before the bench, saying the court would hear the matter after his arrival.
Rana Asad later appeared before the court and informed the bench about an order issued by the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) a day earlier in connection with the matter. He also read out the relevant portions of the order before the Supreme Court.
The development follows the FCC’s decision to summon the complete record of cases concerning Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital that were pending before the Supreme Court. The constitutional court also sought records of similar matters from the high courts.
The FCC’s move came while it was hearing petitions by three Adiala Jail inmates seeking medical treatment and hospital facilities similar to those granted to Imran Khan. The FCC invoked Article 175-E of the Constitution, which was inserted through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered authorities to shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. The August 18 order also included directions concerning his medical care and family contact.
During the latest proceedings, the Supreme Court asked whether the Attorney General was present in his office. After being informed that he was, the court directed him to appear personally before the bench and adjourned the proceedings for a short interval to allow his appearance.
The case has gained added legal significance following the FCC’s intervention and its request for the Supreme Court record. The constitutional court has indicated that it will consider constitutional questions arising from the dispute over jurisdiction and the treatment of prisoners.
The latest proceedings are expected to clarify how the Supreme Court matter will proceed alongside the Federal Constitutional Court proceedings concerning the same issue.
