Govt says shifting Imran to PIMS instead of Shifa a ‘security decision’, insists move not political

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified on Friday that the move of PTI leader Imran Khan from Adiala jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) was a security decision, not a political one. Initially, the Supreme Court had directed the government to transfer Imran to Shifa International Hospital, a private facility.

However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday that Imran was instead taken to the state-run PIMS. Speaking on Geo News program 'Naya Pakistan', Chaudhry explained that security arrangements had been made at Shifa International Hospital, but no clearance was granted. Chaudhry stated that after arrangements were made at Shifa and while Imran was being transferred, his security agencies assessed the situation and decided that they could not ensure order at Shifa.

When questioned about why Imran could be moved to PIMS but not Shifa, Chaudhry responded that the decision rested with security agencies. "If they do not fulfill their duty to ensure a building's security, or if they believe they cannot maintain security, we must listen to their assessment. This is not a political decision," he insisted.