Imran Khan's sister seeks contempt action against Pakistan PM, officials over hospital order

Uzma Khan, the sister of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Saturday filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, accusing the government and senior officials of deliberately violating the court's August 18 order to shift Khan to a private hospital for medical examination and treatment.

The Supreme Court had directed authorities to move the 73-year-old Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days. The order stated that Khan should remain at the hospital until the next hearing on September 16.

Instead, during the night of August 20-21, Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for medical checks and treatment, and later returned to Adiala Jail. His family and political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have described this as a violation of the court's directive.

The petition, filed by Uzma Khan, seeks contempt proceedings against the respondents for what it calls their "wilful, deliberate and contumacious disobedience and violation" of the August 18 order. The respondents include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig.

The petition argues that the respondents' own statements confirm the court's directions were breached. "It is clear from the respondents' own admissions that the court directions contained in the August 18 order were violated," the petition states. It further contends that the failure to shift Khan to Shifa International Hospital "leaves no manner of doubt" that the respondents consciously chose to disregard the order.

The petition also asserts that the respondents' conduct undermines the authority of the Supreme Court. It requests the court to issue show-cause notices and summon the respondents to appear personally. Additionally, it asks for appropriate punishment and for the court to take steps to ensure Khan receives the required medical examination.

The government has defended its decision to take Khan to PIMS instead of Shifa, citing security concerns. The PIMS administration said two specialists from Shifa International Hospital took part in Khan's eye examination at PIMS, while other medical tests were conducted by PIMS doctors.

In a separate development, the government has petitioned the Supreme Court to review and recall its order, arguing that it was discriminatory because it applied only to Khan. The government contends that the order could set a precedent for other prisoners to seek treatment in private hospitals.

The Supreme Court's decision came after months of concern raised by Khan's family and supporters about his health. Khan was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in late January. A report submitted by jail authorities to the court said his eye condition had improved significantly and his vision was "almost normal".

Khan, a former cricketer-turned-politician, has been detained in Adiala Jail since 2023 in connection with several cases. His supporters have held protests against his incarceration, and his relatives and party colleagues have repeatedly alleged human rights violations, including limited access to medical care, family visits, and legal counsel. The government has rejected these allegations.