The Supreme Court registrar’s office has returned a contempt petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the transfer of party founder Imran Khan to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party would address the procedural objections and refile the petition the same day.
Registrar Raises Procedural Objection
The registrar’s office objected that the petition did not include a list of allegations that had been provided to the individuals accused of contempt.
This is the second time the PTI’s petition on the issue has been returned over procedural concerns.
Gohar said the party had also requested an early hearing but would first comply with the registrar’s requirements before submitting the case again.
Dispute Over Supreme Court Hospital Order
The Supreme Court had ordered on August 18 that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination.
Authorities instead took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns. The government said PTI workers were present outside the private hospital, creating security challenges.
Doctors from Shifa International were also present during the examination at PIMS, according to the government.
Government Defends Decision
The petition was filed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other lawyers against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
PTI has alleged that the authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s order.
The government, however, maintains that the decision was taken because of security concerns and that Imran Khan received appropriate medical attention before being taken back to Adiala Jail.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has rejected allegations of medical negligence or inhumane treatment, saying Imran has continued to receive access to legal and medical facilities.
PTI Continues Legal Challenge
Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khan said that his physical condition had improved, while also highlighting the difficulties he faces in prison.
PTI has maintained its objections and says it will continue its legal challenge after addressing the registrar’s concerns and refiling the contempt petition.
The next filing and the Supreme Court’s response are likely to determine how the dispute over the hospital transfer proceeds legally.