Imran Khan’s party files contempt petition over hospital transfer

Imran Khan’s political party filed a contempt petition against the government on Saturday, accusing officials of violating a court order by transferring the jailed former prime minister to a state-run hospital instead of the private facility mandated by a judicial ruling. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claimed the move breached the directives issued by a three-judge bench, which had ordered the government to transport Khan to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a medical evaluation within two days. According to Naeem Panjutha, a legal adviser to the PTI, the contempt petition targets the prime minister, law minister, information minister, and other government officials. It demands that Khan receives treatment at the private hospital designated by the court. The party argues that the decision to take Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a state-run facility, was an intentional disregard of judicial authority. Officials reportedly brought Khan to PIMS overnight on Friday for a brief checkup before sending him back to Adiala Jail. The party also highlighted that Khan was denied access to his personal physician, another alleged violation of the court’s instructions. Khan, who remains a prominent figure in Pakistan despite his imprisonment since August 2023, has consistently maintained that his detention is politically motivated. His removal from power followed tensions with the country’s military establishment, which led to widespread protests and incidents involving attacks on military facilities. The current controversy over his medical care comes amid heightened public sentiment against perceived authoritarian measures. Khan’s supporters have gathered in large numbers in Islamabad, indicating continued support for his cause. The court’s directive required Khan to remain under medical supervision until at least mid-September, according to the PTI. However, the government’s choice of PIMS raised concerns among Khan’s allies, who argued that the state-run hospital lacks the specialized resources available at the private facility. Uzma Khan, one of the politician’s sisters, stated that while her brother appeared physically healthy, he informed her that he had been subjected to repeated torture in prison. The interior and law ministries, along with jail authorities, declined to comment on these claims when contacted by Reuters. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar explained that Khan was taken to PIMS due to security considerations. This justification, however, did not quell the outrage among Khan’s supporters, who believe the government is using bureaucratic excuses to avoid fulfilling its legal obligations. PTI leaders warned that the incident could further strain relations between the administration and the opposition, potentially escalating into broader civil unrest. Supporters of Khan have already begun organizing for a planned protest march set for September 27. The PTI has expressed confidence that the episode will heighten public pressure on the government and reinforce efforts to mobilize mass demonstrations. As the situation unfolds, the legal battle over Khan’s medical rights continues to serve as a focal point for both political and social tensions in Pakistan. The outcome of this dispute could influence the trajectory of future protests and the stability of the nation’s political landscape.