In Pakistan, the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed a contempt petition against the government after authorities sent him to a state-run hospital instead of the private facility ordered by the top court.

 

According to Naeem Panjutha, a legal adviser for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the petition seeks action against the Prime Minister, Law Minister, Information Minister and other government officials. It also asks that Khan be transferred to the private hospital specified by the court for treatment.

 

A three-judge bench on Tuesday had directed the government to transfer Khan from Adiala jail to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for medical examination after concerns were repeatedly raised about his deteriorating health.

 

However, officials instead took him to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for a brief check-up before returning him to jail.

 

Meanwhile, Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, who attended the examination at PIMS, told reporters that her brother had been repeatedly tortured in prison.

 

Last month, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, expressed concerns over reports of Imran Khan’s detention conditions and his not getting access to proper medical care. 

 

PTI leaders also said the incident will intensify pressure and boost preparations for a planned protest on 27th September.