Pakistan’s PTI Files Contempt Petition Over Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer

Pakistan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has filed a contempt petition against government officials over the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a state-run hospital instead of the private hospital ordered by the country’s top court.

PTI legal adviser Naeem Panjutha said on Saturday that the petition seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister and other government officials.

A three-member Supreme Court bench had ordered authorities to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for a medical examination following concerns about his health.

However, officials took Khan to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for a brief medical check-up before returning him to prison. His personal doctor was also reportedly denied access to him, which PTI described as another violation of the court’s directive.

The government said doctors at PIMS found no medical condition requiring immediate treatment.

PTI, however, maintains that the court order required Khan to remain under medical supervision until at least mid-September. His supporters gathered in Islamabad and staged demonstrations outside the hospital.

Khan’s personal physician, Faisal Sultan, and his sisters also addressed journalists following the medical examination. His sister, Uzma Khan, said her brother was physically fit but alleged that he had been repeatedly mistreated in prison.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan was taken to PIMS because of security concerns surrounding Shifa International Hospital.

PTI leaders said the government’s handling of the matter would increase pressure on the authorities and strengthen preparations for a planned protest on September 27.

Khan, who remains a major political figure in Pakistan, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he says are politically motivated. His arrest triggered nationwide protests, including attacks on military installations.

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