Web Desk: The government on Saturday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of breaching the Supreme Court’s directions concerning Imran Khan’s medical examination, alleging that the party and members of his family turned the former prime minister’s health into a political issue.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government had complied with the court’s instructions and ensured that Imran received a medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).
He said the examination was conducted transparently, with Imran’s sister and doctors associated with Shifa International Hospital present during the process.
Tarar maintained that the government had not made provocative remarks about Imran’s health since the Supreme Court issued its order. He said the government’s position was that medical treatment and political activities should be kept separate.
Tarar criticises PTI response
The minister alleged that PTI supporters gathered outside Shifa International Hospital, created a security situation and used the developments surrounding Imran’s treatment for political messaging.
He also criticised statements issued by PTI leaders and Imran’s family regarding the former premier’s medical condition.
Tarar said the Pims medical assessment found Imran to be in satisfactory health and questioned why the PTI was attempting to politicise the matter.
He further said Imran’s medical care had not been discontinued and that he would continue to receive treatment whenever required.
Dispute over Supreme Court order
The controversy follows the Supreme Court’s August 18 directive concerning Imran’s medical examination and treatment. The court had ordered that he be examined by a multidisciplinary medical team at Shifa International Hospital and allowed specified doctors and his sister to be present.
The court had also restricted Imran’s family, lawyers and PTI members from publicly discussing his medical condition or releasing medical reports before the next hearing.
The government challenged the directive through a review petition, arguing that allowing a prisoner to receive treatment at a private hospital raised legal and procedural questions. The initial petition was returned over procedural shortcomings, after which another review petition was filed.
Despite preparations at Shifa International Hospital, Imran was taken to Pims on Friday for a medical examination before being returned to prison.
Bar council members oppose government position
The latest government statement also comes amid disagreement within the legal community. Eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council criticised the government over its handling of the Supreme Court order, describing it as a serious disregard of the court’s directions.
However, PBC Vice Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chistie said the statement reflected the position of the individual members and should not be treated as the official collective stance of the council.
Separately, Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, has approached the Supreme Court seeking contempt proceedings against those she alleges failed to comply with the court’s order.
