PTI files contempt petition over Imran Khan’s hospital transfer

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a contempt petition against the government following the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a state-run medical facility. Party legal adviser Naeem Panjutha confirmed on Saturday that the petition seeks action against the Prime Minister, the Law Minister, and the Information Minister. The filing alleges that authorities breached specific court directives and denied Khan access to his personal physician during a recent medical check-up.

A three-judge bench had directed the government on Tuesday to transfer Khan from Adiala jail to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days. The order was issued after repeated concerns were raised regarding his deteriorating health. However, officials instead took Khan to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for a brief evaluation before returning him to jail.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar justified the decision to use PIMS by citing security risks at Shifa International Hospital. The government further stated that the medical evaluation did not find any issue requiring immediate care. In contrast, PTI interprets the court order as requiring Khan to remain under medical supervision until at least mid-September, a timeline contested by the executive branch.

Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, who attended the examination at PIMS, told reporters that while her brother is physically fit, he has been “repeatedly tortured in prison.” The specific medical condition or the detailed nature of the evaluation was not disclosed in the initial reports.

Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he describes as politically motivated, following a fallout with the country’s military that led to his removal from office. His arrest previously triggered nationwide protests, including the storming of military installations, underscoring the political volatility surrounding his detention.

Supporters of the former Prime Minister lined the streets of Islamabad and rallied outside the hospital during the transfer. PTI leaders indicated that the incident will intensify pressure on the government and boost preparations for a planned protest scheduled for 27 September.