Imran Khan's party files contempt petition over jailed leader's hospital move

Lahore, Pakistan's opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party filed a contempt petition against the government on Saturday, accusing officials of violating court orders by transferring jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a state-run hospital rather than the private facility mandated by a high court directive. The move comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Khan's detention, which began in August 2023 following his ouster from power and subsequent arrest on charges he claims are politically motivated. The contempt petition, according to PTI legal advisor Naeem Panjutha, targets the prime minister, law minister, information minister, and other government officials. It demands that Khan receive treatment at the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, as ordered by a three-judge bench earlier this week. The court had directed the government to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to the private hospital within two days for a medical examination. Instead, officials took Khan to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) overnight on Friday for a brief check-up before returning him to jail. The PTI alleges that Khan was denied access to his personal physician, which they argue constitutes a breach of judicial instructions. Khan, who remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics despite his imprisonment, has long maintained that his arrest was part of a broader political campaign against him. His removal from office in 2022 followed a conflict with the military, which holds significant influence over civilian governance in Pakistan. Since his arrest, Khan has become a symbol of resistance, with widespread public support and mass protests erupting in response to his detention. His supporters have staged large-scale demonstrations, some of which turned violent, including attacks on military installations. The recent hospital transfer has reignited fears among his followers that he may be subjected to further mistreatment in custody. Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, reportedly attended the medical examination at PIMS and stated that her brother is physically healthy. However, she claimed that Khan informed her he has been subjected to repeated torture in prison. The interior and law ministries, along with jail authorities, have not yet commented on these allegations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the decision to take Khan to PIMS, citing security concerns. He stated that the move was necessary due to the perceived risk associated with Khan's presence at the private hospital. Supporters of Khan have gathered in large numbers in Islamabad, with PTI leaders indicating that the incident could lead to increased pressure on the government and accelerate preparations for a planned protest march scheduled for September 27. The party has consistently criticized the ruling government for its handling of Khan's case, arguing that his continued detention violates constitutional rights and undermines democratic principles. The situation highlights the deepening political divide in Pakistan, with Khan's supporters viewing his treatment as a violation of justice, while the government maintains that all actions taken are lawful and necessary for maintaining national stability. As the controversy unfolds, the coming weeks will likely see heightened scrutiny of the administration's decisions and a possible escalation of public dissent.