PTI moves SC against ‘violation’ of Imran’s hospital transfer order

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf filed a contempt of court petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that authorities violated the SC’s August 18 order directing the transfer of party founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

The petition was filed by Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, through Advocate Uzair Karamat Bhandari and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. 

It names Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, Interior Secretary Ahmed Raza Sarwar, Punjab IG Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar as respondents.

The plea seeks contempt proceedings, show-cause notices and the personal appearance of the respondents.

It also asks the court to ensure Imran’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital and to appoint a court officer or local commission to oversee implementation of its order.

The petition alleges that authorities failed to transfer Imran to Shifa, constitute and convene a medical board, and include his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, in the medical assessment. It rejects security concerns as sufficient justification for not following the court’s directive.

The government, however, has challenged the original directive, arguing that transferring a convicted prisoner to a private hospital conflicts with prison rules.