PTI seeks contempt action over Imran Shifa fiasco

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of politicising the health of its founding chairman, Imran Khan, saying the government had fully implemented the Supreme Court's order regarding his medical examination and alleging that the party had committed contempt of court through its statements and actions. Speaking at a news briefing on the former prime minister's transfer to a hospital, Tarar said the administration had complied with the court's directions, while accusing the PTI of spreading "false propaganda" over the matter. He said the government's position on politicising health issues had remained unchanged.

"When we were in the opposition, our position was that health should not be politicised. There has been no change in our position regarding the involvement of politics in health matters," he said. Tarar said that during his tenure as prime minister, Imran had made "taunting and derogatory" remarks about the health of others.

"We have never adopted an insulting attitude towards anyone's health," he added. Recounting the events following the court order, Tarar said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had explained the government's position in detail. "The viewpoint was that whatever will happen, it will be according to the law," he said.

The minister said the government had raised questions in its review petition about whether the same facilities ordered for Imran were available to all prisoners. Nevertheless, he said, the former premier's medical examination had been conducted in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions. The minister said the government's review petition had also questioned whether the law and Constitution permitted Imran to be examined at a private hospital without a recommendation from a medical board.

According to Tarar, the government had initially intended for Imran to be examined at Shifa International Hospital, but PTI supporters created a situation outside the facility. "I informed through tweets that PTI people had created a risk and gathered there. That is why he was taken to Pims," he said.

He maintained that the court's directions were nevertheless followed in full. "When the examination was conducted at Pims in accordance with the court's order, doctors from Shifa were present there. Every clause of the court's order was implemented," he said.