Saad Rafique Welcomes Imran Khan’s Proposed Transfer to Shifa Hospital ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has welcomed the decision to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital and allow him to meet his sister, saying the move could help restore public confidence in the judiciary. In a statement, Rafique said the development had eased some of the burden on his heart, adding that it would have been preferable had the government taken the initiative itself. He described the decision as a “cool breeze” amid the oppressive monsoon weather and said any role played by state institutions in facilitating it should also be appreciated. Rafique said Imran Khan’s health and life were extremely important and should not be compromised. He urged the PTI leadership and Khan’s family to act responsibly, saying their conduct could help create space for further progress. The former minister said he had previously supported lifting restrictions on meetings between Khan and his family and allowing doctors of his choice to examine him. According to Rafique, the government had assigned specialist doctors to Imran Khan and, based on his information, had not neglected his treatment. However, he said prolonged solitary confinement could adversely affect anyone’s health. Rafique stressed that the rights and safety of a prisoner become even more important when that person is a political opponent. He also called for similar attention to be given to imprisoned PTI leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Cheema and Mian Mahmood-ur-Rashid. Rafique said there was no need at this stage for taunts, abuse or reminders of the hardships people had faced during Imran Khan’s tenure in power, urging all sides to act responsibly and allow the situation to improve.