Imran Khan Hospital Order Dispute Escalates as PTI Seeks Contempt Action
PTI has moved against senior government officials after Imran Khan was taken to a state-run hospital instead of the private facility named in a court order.
PTI challenges the government's decision over Imran Khan's hospital transfer
The Imran Khan hospital dispute has intensified after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed a contempt petition against the government, alleging that authorities failed to comply with a top court directive concerning the jailed former prime minister’s medical treatment.
PTI legal adviser Naeem Panjutha said on Saturday that the petition seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister and other officials. The party is also asking the court to ensure that Khan receives treatment at the private hospital specified in the earlier order.
PTI Challenges Government’s Hospital Decision
A three-judge bench had directed authorities on Tuesday to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for a medical examination.
The order came after repeated concerns were raised about Khan’s health and access to appropriate medical care.
Instead, authorities took him to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for a brief medical check-up before returning him to prison.
PTI argues that the government failed to follow the court’s instructions by sending Khan to PIMS rather than Shifa International Hospital. The party has also objected to the fact that Khan was not allowed access to his personal physician during the examination.
Government Cites Security Concerns
The government has defended its decision, saying security concerns made Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital difficult.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that Khan was examined at PIMS because of security risks associated with taking him to the private hospital.
Officials said the medical assessment did not identify any condition requiring immediate treatment.
PTI, however, has interpreted the court’s order differently. Party officials argue that Khan should remain under medical supervision until at least the middle of September rather than being briefly examined and returned to jail.
The dispute has added another layer to the continuing confrontation between Khan’s party and the government.
Khan Supporters Rally Over Medical Treatment
Khan’s supporters gathered in Islamabad during the hospital dispute, with party workers and sympathisers rallying outside the medical facility.
His personal physician, Faisal Sultan, and Khan’s sisters also addressed reporters following the examination.
Khan’s sister Uzma Khan said her brother was physically fit but alleged that he had been repeatedly tortured while in prison. The allegations have added to calls from PTI supporters for greater access to Khan’s doctors and family.
The government has not accepted those allegations.
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Imran Khan Remains in Jail
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being removed from office and subsequently facing several legal cases. He has repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated.
His imprisonment has remained a major source of political tension in Pakistan.
His arrest in 2023 triggered nationwide protests, during which demonstrators attacked or entered military installations. The authorities subsequently launched a major crackdown against PTI supporters and leaders.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a major political force in Pakistan, with PTI continuing to campaign for his release and challenge government decisions involving him.
PTI Plans Further Protest
The latest hospital dispute is expected to increase political pressure on the government and strengthen PTI’s preparations for a planned protest on September 27.
The contempt petition now places the question of Khan’s medical treatment before the courts once again.
For PTI, the central issue is whether authorities complied with the court’s directive by arranging Khan’s examination at PIMS or whether the order required his transfer and continued medical supervision at the specified private hospital.
The court’s response to the contempt petition could therefore determine the next stage of the dispute between the government and Khan’s party.
