Supreme Court of Pakistan rejects early hearing in Imran Khan hospital case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected a second application for an early hearing regarding a contempt of court petition filed by Dr. Uzma Khanum, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The petition challenges the government’s alleged failure to implement a court order from August 18, which directed Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Instead of the directed facility, Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on the night of August 20-21. While specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in an eye examination at PIMS, the government has defended the decision to use the public facility by citing security concerns regarding a transfer to a private hospital.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the contempt petition for hearing on September 16 before a three-member bench. Court sources stated that the request for an urgent hearing was not maintainable as cases are scheduled according to their turn, noting that 94 contempt petitions are currently pending. Dr. Uzma Khanum had previously warned that further delays could cause “serious and irreparable harm” to Khan’s health and well-being.