The party of Pakistan's jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan has filed a contempt petition against the government. This action follows authorities taking the politician to a state-run hospital instead of the private facility previously ordered by the country's top court.
According to party officials, the petition seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister, and other government officials. It also demands that Khan receive treatment at the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, as mandated by a three-judge bench earlier in the week. The court had directed the transfer within two days.
Officials instead took Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) overnight on Friday for a brief check-up before returning him to jail. The party also cited the denial of access to Khan's personal physician as a breach of court orders. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he claims are politically motivated following a dispute with the military. His arrest last year led to widespread protests.
Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, who attended the examination at PIMS, stated that while her brother is physically fit, he claims to be repeatedly tortured in prison. The interior and law ministries, along with jail authorities, have not yet commented on these allegations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Khan was examined at PIMS due to security risks. PTI leaders believe this incident will intensify pressure and bolster preparations for a planned protest march on September 27.
