Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed a contempt of court petition on Saturday against government officials. The party alleges the government violated a court order concerning Khan’s medical care by taking him to a state-run hospital instead of a private facility as directed.
Naeem Panjutha, a legal adviser for PTI, stated that the petition names the prime minister, law minister, and information minister, among other officials. According to Panjutha, the legal action seeks to hold the officials accountable and requests that Khan be moved to the court-ordered private hospital for treatment.
The dispute follows a ruling on Tuesday by a three-judge bench that instructed the government to transfer Khan from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for a medical examination. The order was issued after Khan’s legal team and family repeatedly raised concerns about his health.
On Friday, government authorities transported Khan to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for what was described as a brief check-up before returning him to prison. PTI officials also claim that Khan was not given access to his personal physician during the visit, which they contend is another violation of the court’s directive.
In response, the government has defended its decision. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said on Friday that the choice to use PIMS was made due to security risks identified at the private Shifa hospital. Government officials also reported that the medical evaluation conducted at PIMS found no conditions that required immediate medical intervention.
Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, who was present during the examination at PIMS, addressed reporters afterward. She stated that her brother is “physically fit” but alleged he has been “repeatedly tortured in prison.”
Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 on multiple charges, which he maintains are politically motivated. His arrest last year led to widespread protests across the country. PTI leaders have indicated that the recent events surrounding Khan’s medical care will impact their preparations for a protest scheduled for September 27.
