Imran Khan’s sister on Saturday moved the Pakistan Supreme Court, accusing the government and senior officials of defying its order to transfer the jailed former prime minister to a private hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Uzma Khan has accused the government and senior officials of deliberately ignoring the top court’s August 18 directive to move Khan to a private hospital and has sought contempt proceedings against them.
The Supreme Court had ordered that the 73-year-old Imran Khan be shifted from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days. It had directed that he stay at the hospital until the matter was taken up again on September 16.
Instead, Khan was taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on the night of August 20-21. He underwent medical examinations and treatment there before being taken back to Adiala Jail.
Khan’s family and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have objected to the decision, maintaining that it went against the Supreme Court’s directions.
In her petition, Uzma Khan described the alleged conduct of the respondents as “wilful, deliberate and contumacious disobedience and violation” of the August 18 order.
The petition names Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and several officials, including Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig.
According to the petition, the respondents’ actions amounted to “non-compliance and brazen violations” of the Supreme Court’s directions. It further said, “It is clear from the respondents’ own admissions that the court directions contained in the August 18 order were violated.”
Uzma Khan argued that not moving her brother to Shifa International Hospital “leaves no manner of doubt” that the respondents had consciously chosen to disregard the court’s order.
She has asked the Supreme Court to issue show-cause notices to the respondents, summon them personally and take appropriate action for the alleged violation. The petition also seeks directions to ensure that Khan receives the medical examination and treatment ordered by the court.
The government has defended the decision to take Khan to PIMS, saying security concerns influenced the choice.
PIMS officials said specialists from Shifa International Hospital were also involved in Khan’s eye examination at the government hospital. Other medical tests were conducted by PIMS specialists.
The government has also challenged the Supreme Court’s August 18 order, seeking its review and recall. It has argued that directing treatment at a private hospital specifically for Khan was discriminatory and could lead to similar demands from other prisoners.
The Supreme Court’s directive followed concerns raised by Khan’s family and supporters about his health, particularly his eye condition. They had sought treatment at a private hospital after expressing dissatisfaction with the care available at government facilities.
Khan was taken to PIMS several times after he was diagnosed with a right central retinal vein occlusion in late January. A medical report submitted by jail authorities later said his condition had improved considerably and his vision was “almost normal”.
Khan has remained in Adiala Jail since 2023 in connection with multiple cases. His family and PTI colleagues have repeatedly alleged restrictions on his medical care, family meetings and access to legal counsel, along with other alleged rights violations. The government has denied the allegations.