Imran Khan’s party seeks contempt action over jailed leader’s hospital transfer

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's political party has filed a contempt petition against the government, following his transfer from a private hospital to a state-run medical facility. The petition, filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, seeks action against the prime minister, law minister, information minister, and other government officials.

It also demands that Khan receive the medical treatment ordered by the court in a private hospital. Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he claims are politically motivated, was initially transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) at the government's request, instead of the private Shifa International Hospital, as ordered by the top court.

The PTI argues that this move violates court orders and constitutes a breach of Khan's right to medical supervision. Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, who accompanied him during the examination, stated that her brother feels physically fit but claims he is being "repeatedly tortured in prison." The interior and law ministries, as well as jail authorities, have not commented on the allegations of torture.

Information minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that Khan was examined at PIMS due to potential security risks. Khan's supporters had gathered in Islamabad the night before, and PTI leaders anticipate that this incident will intensify pressure and bolster preparations for a planned protest march on September 27.