ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a legal challenge against the government, filing contempt of court petition over what it alleges was a failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s order regarding medical treatment and hospital transfer of the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan.
The petition, filed by Salman Akram Raja and Uzair Bhandari, seeks contempt proceedings over alleged violation of the Supreme Court’s August 18, 2026 order, which PTI says directed that Imran Khan be transferred for a medical examination.
Khan’s party asked the court to issue show-cause notices to those allegedly responsible, summon them for personal appearance, and declare them guilty of contempt of court, with punishment sought in accordance with the law.
The opposition party urged the court to order the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination, and also requested the appointment of a judicial officer or local commission to ensure that the Supreme Court’s directives are fully implemented.
The controversy stems from the implementation of the Supreme Court’s earlier order. According to PTI’s position, the court had ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination. However, the government instead transferred him to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where he underwent what was described as a complete medical examination before being sent back to Adiala Jail.
The latest petition now places the government’s handling of Imran Khan’s medical transfer directly before the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a potentially significant legal confrontation over whether the court’s August 18 order was properly implemented.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Imran Khan is in good health and accused PTI of politicising his medical condition. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said Khan’s sister recently visited him in jail and could confirm his condition, while his personal physician had also been given access to his medical information.
Asif said Khan had minor blood pressure and age-related health issues, but doctors found no serious health threat and he was recovering. He added that Khan’s medical reports would be made public.
The minister urged PTI not to use health issues for political purposes, noting that politicians from various parties had faced imprisonment and medical problems. Recalling his own time in prison, Asif said he received surgery at a government hospital rather than demanding treatment at a private facility.
PIMS declines to disclose confidential clinical details of Imran Khan’s medical report
