The Supreme Court has admitted a contempt of court petition concerning the hospital transfer of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan after the petitioners addressed objections raised by the court registrar.
The petition was initially returned by the Supreme Court Registrar's Office over procedural objections. PTI subsequently resubmitted the petition after addressing the issues, and it has now been assigned Criminal Original Petition No. 8 of 2026.
PTI Challenges Hospital Transfer
The contempt petition was filed by Dr Uzma Khan, Imran Khan's sister, over what PTI describes as an alleged violation of the Supreme Court's August 18 order.
The Supreme Court had directed authorities to shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.
Instead, Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination before being returned to Adiala Jail.
The government said security concerns surrounding Shifa International Hospital and the presence of PTI supporters led to the change in arrangements.
Registrar's Objections Addressed
The Supreme Court registrar's office initially returned the contempt petition after raising objections, including an issue concerning the absence of a list of allegations against the respondents.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party would address the objections and resubmit the petition.
After the objections were removed, the petition was resubmitted and assigned a case number.
Early Hearing Requested
Dr Uzma Khan has also filed a separate application seeking an early hearing of the contempt petition.
The application argues that the matter concerns Imran Khan's health, dignity and physical well-being and therefore requires urgent consideration by the Supreme Court.
The petition seeks action against those allegedly responsible for violating the court's earlier directions.
What Happens Next
The admission and numbering of the petition means the matter can now proceed through the Supreme Court's judicial process.
The court will ultimately determine whether its August 18 directions were violated and what action, if any, should follow.
The dispute has further intensified tensions between the government and PTI over Imran Khan's medical treatment and the implementation of the Supreme Court's orders.
The case is now awaiting further proceedings before the Supreme Court.
