Imran Khan’s Sister Moves Pakistan Supreme Court for Early Hearing on Hospital Transfer Plea

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan is once again at the centre of a legal and political battle, with his sister Uzma Khan moving the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing on a contempt petition against the federal government over his medical treatment.

The fresh application was filed after the court scheduled September 16 as the next hearing date in an earlier petition concerning the health of the 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician.

On August 18, the Supreme Court had directed the government to shift Khan to the privately run Shifa International Hospital, following months of concern expressed by his family and supporters, particularly over an eye condition diagnosed earlier this year.

However, on the night of August 20-21, Khan was taken from Adiala Jail to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical procedure and diagnostic tests. He was later shifted back to Adiala Jail, a move his sister has argued amounted to a violation of the Supreme Court's earlier order.

The government has defended its decision, citing security concerns. Authorities have also said that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Khan's eye examination at PIMS.

In her latest application, filed through advocate Uzair Karamat Bhandari, Uzma Khan sought contempt proceedings against senior government functionaries, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials.

The petition has requested that the matter be taken up within the current week or early next week, arguing that any further delay could cause “serious and irreparable harm” and affect Khan's health and well-being.

Meanwhile, the government has separately asked the Supreme Court to review its order directing Khan's transfer to a private hospital, arguing that it could create a precedent for other prisoners seeking similar treatment.

Khan has remained in custody since his arrest on August 5, 2023, and is currently lodged at Adiala Jail near Rawalpindi. His family and party have repeatedly raised concerns over his medical care and access to relatives and lawyers, allegations the government has consistently rejected.