Imran Khan Hospitalisation Dispute Reaches New Flashpoint as Sister Files Contempt Plea

The medical treatment row surrounding jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has intensified after his sister Uzma Khan moved the Supreme Court, accusing the government and senior officials of violating the court’s order directing his transfer to a private hospital.

In her petition filed on Saturday, Uzma sought contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and several senior officials, including Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig.

The Supreme Court, in its August 18 order, had directed authorities to shift the 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days. It had also ordered that he remain there until the next hearing on September 16.

Instead, Khan was taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) during the night of August 20-21 for medical examination and treatment before being returned to jail.

Uzma alleged that the authorities had deliberately and wilfully disregarded the Supreme Court's directions. She urged the court to issue show-cause notices, summon the respondents personally and take appropriate action over the alleged non-compliance.

The government has defended its decision, citing security concerns. PIMS authorities said two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Khan's eye examination, while PIMS doctors carried out other medical tests.

The government has also filed a separate petition seeking a review and recall of the Supreme Court's hospital-transfer order. It has argued that directing private-hospital treatment specifically for Khan was discriminatory and could create a precedent for other prisoners.

The dispute follows months of concern over Khan's health, particularly an eye condition diagnosed in January. A jail report submitted to the court said his condition had improved significantly and his vision was “almost normal”.

Khan has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail since 2023 in connection with several cases. His family and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters have repeatedly alleged inadequate medical care and restrictions on visits and legal access, charges the government has denied.

The latest petition brings the dispute directly before the Supreme Court, setting up another legal confrontation over the treatment and custody of Pakistan's former prime minister.