The federal government on Monday defended its decision to take Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) instead of Shifa International Hospital, saying the move was purely based on the security situation. Speaking on the matter, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Imran's treatment and security were both of paramount importance, and that the government was aware taking him to Pims instead of Shifa would cause an uproar. "Imran's security was the priority, which is why the decision was made," he said.

Chaudhry said all medical tests recommended for Imran were available at Pims, adding that the government maintained a zero-tolerance policy regarding his health and security. Doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present during the examination at Pims, according to the minister. The remarks came three days after Imran, who was shifted to Pims, was taken back to Adiala Jail after a medical examination. The Supreme Court, in its Aug 18 order, had directed the authorities to transfer the former prime minister to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination. Imran was instead taken to Pims, where doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present, according to the information minister. Later, the PTI filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court over the alleged violation of its order concerning the party founder's hospital transfer.

Speaking further, leaders noted that if any other prisoner was in the same condition as Imran, they would have the right to be transferred to a private hospital. Raja said Imran's contact with his family had been severed since Dec 2, raising serious health concerns. "Has any other prisoner been treated this way - denied meetings for 10 months?" he asked. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said negotiations and sitting with political parties were not in PTI's nature, adding that the party began and ended with its founder. He said every opposition party except PTI was ready to sit with the government, questioning who other than PTI had any objection.

He said the court had explicitly directed PTI not to engage in certain actions, yet the party did exactly what it had been told not to do. The government maintains that all steps regarding prisoners and national security are taken in accordance with the law and ground realities. Amid escalating political tensions, the war of words between the government and the opposition continues unabated as both sides refuse to cede ground on the matter.