PTI files contempt petition over Imran Khan’s hospital transfer

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a contempt of court petition in the Supreme Court against the federal government over the transfer of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of Shifa International Hospital.

PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja and Uzair Bhandari filed the petition on behalf of the party, seeking immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order regarding Khan’s medical examination and treatment.

The party has asked the court to direct Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination.

It has also requested the appointment of a judicial officer or the constitution of a local commission to oversee implementation of the court’s order.

The PTI has asked the Supreme Court to declare the respondents guilty of contempt of court and punish them in accordance with the law.

The Supreme Court, in its Aug. 18 order, had directed authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination. However, he was instead taken to PIMS during the intervening night of Aug. 20 and 21.

PIMS completes Imran Khan’s medical fitness report

According to PIMS, Khan was shifted to the state-run hospital for medical examination and treatment. Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in his eye examination, while other assessments were carried out by relevant PIMS specialists.

PIMS said its medical board had completed Khan’s medical fitness report, but its contents would remain confidential in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said Khan was taken to hospital under appropriate security arrangements in compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision.

Tarar said a team of qualified doctors, including an eye specialist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared Khan medically fit. He also said Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was present throughout the examination and treatment process.

According to Tarar, Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail at around 5am on Aug. 21.

PTI disputes government’s account of examination

However, Dr Uzma Khan disputed the government’s account, alleging that only a cursory examination had been conducted at PIMS. She said officials did not have her brother’s medical files and alleged that only his eyes were examined and his blood pressure checked.

Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, separately said he had travelled to Shifa International Hospital and waited there for several hours after being informed that Khan was expected to arrive.

The PTI subsequently accused the federal government of violating the Supreme Court’s order. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said there was no ambiguity in the court’s directions regarding Khan’s transfer to the specified medical facility.

The Aug. 18 Supreme Court order directed authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours for specialist examination and treatment by a medical board that included Dr Faisal Sultan.

The federal government later asked the Supreme Court to recall the order, arguing that allowing a prisoner to be treated at a private hospital of their choice could set a precedent for other inmates.

The government also contended that the order had been issued without hearing a necessary party and was contrary to the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.