The sister of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has again petitioned the Supreme Court for an early hearing of a contempt case against government officials accused of ignoring a court order regarding the former premier’s hospital visit. Dr Uzma Khan filed a fresh application on Thursday, urging the court to take up the matter within this week or early next week.
The case stems from an August 18 Supreme Court directive that Imran Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. However, authorities instead took him to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) for a check-up before returning him to prison. The PTI founder’s sister had earlier filed a contempt petition against the officials for violating the court order.
In her new application, filed through Advocate Uzair Karamat Bhandari, Dr Uzma Khan said the contempt plea was meant to ensure immediate implementation of the August 18 order. She argued that an early hearing would serve the interests of justice and protect the life and health of a former prime minister whose health was deteriorating and whose life was said to be in jeopardy.
The application emphasized that the case concerned the life, health, dignity, and physical well-being of a national hero and former premier. It noted that Imran Khan’s health condition remained a pressing concern, and any delay could have serious consequences.
The Supreme Court had earlier scheduled the contempt plea for September 16, with a three-judge bench comprising Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim to hear it. The same bench had issued the directive for Imran Khan’s hospital visit. Dr Uzma Khan’s latest move seeks to expedite the proceedings given the urgency of the matter.
The PTI, Imran Khan’s party, has also been pushing for swift legal action, insisting that the government deliberately flouted the court’s order. The party has repeatedly accused the authorities of neglecting Imran Khan’s health and failing to provide adequate medical care.
Legal experts say the court may consider the new application and could fix an earlier date for the hearing. The outcome of the contempt plea could have significant implications for the government, as a finding of contempt could lead to penalties for the officials involved.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal battles involving Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August, facing multiple charges. His supporters have staged protests demanding his release, while the government maintains that he is being held lawfully pending trial.
Observers note that the hospital visit controversy has become a flashpoint in the political standoff between the PTI and the government. The court’s decision on the early hearing will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that Imran Khan receives proper medical attention and that the rule of law is upheld. The Supreme Court’s response to the new application will be crucial in determining the next steps.
In the meantime, Dr Uzma Khan’s appeal underscores the family’s concern for Imran Khan’s well-being and their determination to hold authorities accountable for any violation of court orders. The case highlights the intersection of legal, political, and humanitarian considerations.
The Supreme Court is expected to review the application and decide whether to advance the hearing date. The PTI and Imran Khan’s supporters will be watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution that prioritizes his health and rights.
The hospital visit issue remains a contentious point, with the government defending its actions while the opposition cries foul. The court’s intervention is seen as a test of the judiciary’s independence and its ability to enforce its directives.
For now, the ball is in the court’s court, and the nation awaits the next hearing with bated breath.
Source: Dawn News