Imran Khan legal cases face jurisdictional deadlock in Pakistan

A jurisdictional deadlock has emerged between Pakistan’s Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) regarding legal proceedings involving PTI founder Imran Khan. The dispute centers on the FCC’s order seeking records of cases involving Khan and directing them to be heard by the FCC, which has raised questions regarding the FCC's authority.

The impasse also affects the implementation of a Supreme Court order from August 18 regarding Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. While the Supreme Court has not yet fixed a date for a hearing on the matter, the FCC has also yet to schedule a hearing despite raising questions about the previous judicial order.

Legal experts suggest that if the Supreme Court ultimately defers to the FCC, it could establish the subordinate status of the Supreme Court under Article 189 of the Constitution. Currently, the Supreme Court's office has not yet sent the relevant case records to the FCC.