SC turns down 2nd plea to fast-track Imran Khan hospital transfer case

The application was submitted by Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khanum, who had sought an urgent hearing of the contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a second request seeking an early hearing of a contempt petition concerning the alleged failure to implement its directive for the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

The application was submitted by Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khanum, who had sought an urgent hearing of the contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other respondents. Despite the request, the court has retained September 16 as the date for hearing the main petition.

Official sources said the request for early fixation was declined in view of the large number of contempt cases already pending before the apex court. According to the sources, 94 contempt matters are currently awaiting hearing and cases are being taken up according to their scheduled turn. A previous request by Uzma Khanum for an expedited hearing had also been rejected.

Uzma filed the latest application on August 27, arguing that the matter required immediate attention because of concerns over Imran Khan’s health. She maintained that any further delay could potentially result in serious consequences for his health and well-being.

The dispute stems from an August 18 Supreme Court order directing that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment for several days. The court had also instructed the authorities to facilitate weekly meetings between the former prime minister and his family.

The directive was not implemented as originally ordered. On August 21, Imran Khan was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) during the early hours for a medical examination before being returned to Adiala Jail after doctors declared him medically fit.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar subsequently said the decision to use PIMS was linked to security concerns arising from the presence of PTI supporters outside the jail and along the route to Shifa International Hospital.

PTI later approached the Supreme Court with a contempt petition, alleging that the August 18 directive had not been followed. The petition was initially submitted on August 22 by Dr Uzma Khanum, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and lawyer Uzair Bhandari.

The petition was subsequently resubmitted after the petitioners addressed objections raised by the Supreme Court registrar. The court then fixed the matter for hearing on September 16.