The government of Pakistan could allow incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to receive medical treatment abroad if suitable care is not available in Pakistan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate.

Chaudhry said on Thursday that the government’s petition before the Supreme Court was not intended to challenge its August 18 ruling, but to determine whether the relief granted in the order applied specifically to Khan or extended to other prisoners.

“If the need arises to send him abroad, we will do that as well,” Chaudhry said during a session marked by a dispute over the medical treatment of detained PTI leaders.

In a statement on X later, the minister said that the government had sought only a legal clarification on the scope of the Supreme Court’s decision.

He stressed that the state will comply with the ruling if it was found to cover the existing procedure for prisoners’ medical care.

Chaudhry said convicted prisoners were entitled to medical facilities under prevailing law and could be taken to government hospitals when necessary.

If appropriate treatment was unavailable for Khan at a government facility, he said, the government could consider other legal options, including treatment at Shifa Hospital or abroad.

The issue was raised in the Senate by Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who called for improved healthcare for Khan, Dr Yasmin Rashid and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry.

Abbas said Rashid, 76, was being held at Kot Lakhpat jail in terrorism cases despite suffering from cancer, asthma and spinal problems.

He said she could not walk 15 to 20 steps and urged the government either to move her to a hospital or place her under house arrest.

Chaudhry said the government respected Rashid but noted that she had been present at the site of the May 9 attacks, when General Headquarters and the Corps Commander House were attacked.

He stressed that the sentences had been imposed by courts and could only be changed through judicial or legal processes.

The minister said the government would discuss Rashid’s health with the Punjab government and update Abbas.

His remarks prompted protests from opposition senators. Abbas later described the suggestion that Rashid was involved in the Corps Commander House attack as an “allegation and slander”.

Chaudhry rejected claims of political victimisation, saying the government was acting in accordance with the law and judicial decisions.