Imran Khan’s Sister Seeks Contempt Proceedings Over Hospital Transfer Order

ISLAMABAD: Dr Uzma Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, has approached the Supreme Court seeking contempt proceedings over the alleged violation of its order to shift the incarcerated former premier to a private hospital.

Advocate Uzair Karamat Bhandari filed the petition on Saturday. It asks the court to take action against officials and government figures responsible for what it describes as deliberate non-compliance with the court’s August 18 directions.

The petition also seeks the appointment of a court officer or local commission. Its purpose would be to ensure Imran Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination.

Petition Challenges Hospital Transfer

The plea names Islamabad Chief Commissioner retired Lieutenant Sohail Ashraf, Interior Secretary Ahmed Raza Sarwar and Punjab Inspector General of Prisons Mian Salik Jalal among the respondents.

It also names Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

According to the petition, the Supreme Court’s August 18 order was clear and required no further interpretation. It argues that the respondents had a legal obligation to implement the directions.

The plea further maintains that filing a review petition did not suspend the court’s order. It argues that officials should have sought clarification if security concerns created difficulties in implementing the directive.

UN Delegation Visits St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi, Meets Roma Mushtaq Matto

Imran Taken to Pims Instead

The controversy intensified after authorities took Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) for a medical examination instead of Shifa International Hospital.

He later returned to Adiala Jail.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security concerns prompted the change in arrangements. He claimed PTI workers had created a security situation around the route to and outside Shifa International Hospital.

Tarar said a team of doctors examined Imran Khan and found him medically fit.

Pims later said specialists from Shifa International Hospital also participated in his eye assessment. Pims doctors conducted the remaining examinations.

Supreme Court Had Ordered Hospital Examination

The Supreme Court had directed the government to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed issued the interim order. Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim also formed part of the bench.

The court directed a multidisciplinary medical board to examine and treat Imran Khan. It also ordered that Dr Uzma Khan and Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, attend the examination.

The court had also restricted Imran’s family, PTI members and lawyers from publicly disclosing his medical condition or reports until the next hearing.

Government Challenges Court Directive

The government has separately challenged the hospital transfer order through review petitions.

Officials argued that shifting Imran Khan to a private hospital was discriminatory and conflicted with prison regulations and principles of natural justice.

The Supreme Court returned an earlier review petition after raising objections over its drafting and accompanying documents. The Islamabad chief commissioner later filed another review petition.

Uzma Khan’s latest plea asks the Supreme Court to issue show-cause notices to the respondents and require their personal appearance.

It also seeks appropriate punishment for those found responsible for violating the court’s directions. The petition further asks the court to ensure full implementation of the August 18 order.