Imran Khan’s sister files contempt plea over violation of Pakistan top court’s hospitalisation order

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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister Uzma Khan (left) speaks as his personal physician Faisal Sultan watches during a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: AP

The sister of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday (August 22, 2026) filed a petition in the Supreme Court, accusing the government and senior officials of violating the top court’s order to shift him to a private hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Uzma Khan has sought contempt proceedings alleging wilful violation of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order.

The Supreme Court had directed authorities to shift 73-year-old Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days and ordered that he remain there until the next hearing on September 16.

Instead, Imran Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad during the night of August 20-21 for medical examination and treatment before being returned to Adiala Jail.

His family and leaders of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have termed the move a violation of the Supreme Court order and challenged the official action.

In her petition, Uzma Khan urged the top court to initiate contempt proceedings against the respondents for their “wilful, deliberate and contumacious disobedience and violation” of the August 18 order.

The respondents include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and several senior government officials, including Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig.

The petition contended that the court was being approached in light of the “non-compliance and brazen violations” of the Supreme Court’s order by the respondents. “It is clear from the respondents’ own admissions that the court directions contained in the August 18 order were violated,” it said.

It said the failure to shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital “leaves no manner of doubt” that the respondents had consciously chosen to disregard and violate the top court’s order. It also said the respondents’ conduct undermined the authority of the Supreme Court and warranted cognisance by the court.

The petition further requested the Supreme Court to issue show-cause notices to the respondents and direct them to appear personally. It also sought appropriate punishment against the respondents and asked the court to take all necessary steps to implement its directions for Khan’s medical examination.

The government, however, has defended its decision to take Khan to PIMS rather than Shifa, citing security concerns.

Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital also participated in Imran Khan’s eye examination at PIMS, according to the hospital administration. They said that PIMS specialists conducted other medical examinations on Imran Khan as well.