Imran Khan Special

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    PTI to refile contempt petition today

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said the party will refile its contempt of court petition before the Supreme Court today and seek the formation of a bench at the earliest so that the matter can be heard within the next two days. Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar said he met the court registrar at the Facilitation Centre regarding the petition. He said the registrar’s office had raised objections to the application, prompting the party to withdraw it and submit a revised petition. According to Barrister Gohar, the petition concerns alleged violations of court orders, including issues related to meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan. He said the individuals allegedly responsible for contempt had not been provided with a list of the allegations, which was among the concerns raised during the filing process. He said PTI had approached the Supreme Court seeking an early hearing and would now address the objections before submitting the petition again. “We will file the contempt petition again today,” he said, adding that the party wanted the bench constituted today so the case could be taken up the day after tomorrow. Barrister Gohar also stressed the importance of Imran Khan’s health, saying that ensuring his family members can meet him is essential. He referred to the Supreme Court’s previous directions regarding meetings with the PTI founder and urged authorities to comply with the court’s orders. He pointed out that today was scheduled as a meeting day and appealed to the authorities to allow the meetings to take place without disruption. He said the party had already fulfilled its commitment regarding the previous meeting and that no information or discussion from that meeting had subsequently emerged. The PTI chairman reiterated that the party wanted the matter resolved through the legal process and expected the relevant authorities to follow the Supreme Court’s directions. He said the party would continue pursuing the issue before the court until its concerns regarding the implementation of the orders were addressed.

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    Imran Khan family meetings tied to SOP compliance

      ISLAMABAD: Family meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, who remains in jail, will continue under an understanding that his relatives strictly follow the agreed standard operating procedures (SOPs), according to informed sources. The key condition requires family members to avoid holding press conferences or issuing political statements after meeting Imran Khan. Authorities have reportedly linked the continuation of family visits to compliance with these conditions. Imran Khan’s sister, Noreen Khanum, was allowed to meet him again on Tuesday, marking her second meeting with the former premier within a few days. Sources described the development as a positive sign for Imran Khan and his family after a prolonged period of restrictions on family access. According to sources, authorities may continue easing restrictions on family meetings as long as the agreed SOPs remain in place and relatives comply with them. The understanding also requires family members who meet Imran Khan to refrain from making political comments or addressing the media after leaving the prison. The arrangement has also surfaced during proceedings before the Supreme Court, where assurances regarding compliance with the conditions have reportedly been given. The issue had remained contentious for an extended period because some members of Imran Khan’s family previously spoke to the media after meeting him. Statements attributed to the PTI founder also appeared on his social media accounts following some of these meetings. Sources said several of those statements contained strong criticism of the establishment, increasing tensions over whether family meetings should continue without additional restrictions. Authorities subsequently placed greater emphasis on ensuring that prison visits did not become a channel for political messaging. Under the current understanding, the authorities are expected to maintain the relaxed approach if the family continues to follow the agreed rules. In practical terms, relatives will be expected to avoid post-meeting press conferences, while politically controversial statements attributed to Imran Khan will also need to remain off the public platform following family visits. The development could provide some relief to Imran Khan and his family by allowing more regular contact while reducing the possibility of family meetings becoming a source of renewed political confrontation. It may also establish a framework under which the former prime minister can maintain direct contact with his relatives without triggering a return to the earlier restrictions. However, sources stressed that the continuation of the current arrangement depends largely on compliance with the agreed SOPs. Any violation could potentially lead to the authorities reconsidering the relaxed conditions surrounding family meetings.

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    ‘Imran could face Morsi’s fate,’ sister warn…

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has expressed fears about his safety and allegedly told his sister that he could face a fate similar to that of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, according to Dr Uzma Khan. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Uzma said she was deeply concerned about her brother’s physical and mental condition following his prolonged confinement in Adiala Jail. She claimed Imran had repeatedly complained about being kept in solitary confinement and said he believed he was being treated inhumanely. According to Uzma, Imran told her that his concerns were not being properly heard by jail authorities. She said he had complained about the lack of human contact and believed that the isolation was affecting his health. Uzma further claimed that a doctor who examined Imran on August 10 attributed his anxiety and high blood pressure to his prolonged solitary confinement. She also said newspapers and television access had only been provided to him for a limited period. The PTI founder’s sister said she attempted to reassure him during their meeting, telling him that people across the country stood with him and that he should remain hopeful. Dispute over hospital transfer Uzma also provided details of the events surrounding Imran’s proposed transfer to Shifa International Hospital. She said she reached Adiala Jail between 8pm and 8:30pm after being contacted by authorities. She waited there with Imran’s physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. According to Uzma, they were later informed that Imran had been taken away, but she was not initially told where he had been taken. She said she was subsequently taken in a vehicle accompanied by a security convoy. After travelling for some time, she was informed that they had reached the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Uzma said she reminded officials that the Supreme Court had ordered Imran’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital. She was reportedly told that he had instead been taken to PIMS for an eye examination. When she eventually met her brother, Uzma said Imran appeared surprised to see her. She told him that he was expected to undergo a comprehensive medical examination at Shifa. She said doctors at PIMS checked his blood pressure and examined his eyes. Dr Faisal Sultan separately said he had been summoned and taken to Shifa International Hospital but was repeatedly given unclear responses when he asked when Imran would arrive. He said he eventually concluded that the PTI founder would not be brought to the hospital. Government seeks review of Supreme Court order The dispute intensified after the federal government approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its August 18 order concerning Imran’s medical examination and proposed transfer to Shifa International Hospital. The government had earlier filed a review petition, but it was returned after objections were raised by the Supreme Court registrar’s office. The government subsequently refiled the petition after addressing those objections. In its revised plea, the government argued that the August 18 order had been issued beyond the court’s jurisdiction and contained errors of law that warranted reconsideration. The government also relied on the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, arguing that the transfer of a convicted prisoner to a hospital is governed by a prescribed legal procedure. It referred specifically to Rule 197, which deals with the mechanism for transferring prisoners for medical treatment. The government further invoked Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process. It argued that adequate notice and an opportunity of hearing should be provided to both sides. The government therefore asked the apex court to review and recall its earlier order. Government rejects allegations of non-compliance Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the government’s position and rejected claims that the Supreme Court’s directive had been ignored. In a statement posted on X, Tarar said Imran had been taken for a medical examination during the early hours of August 21 under appropriate security arrangements. He said a team of doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology and general medicine, examined Imran and declared him medically fit. Tarar said Uzma remained present during the medical examination and treatment process. According to the minister, Imran was subsequently returned to Adiala Jail at around 5am. In another statement, Tarar clarified that the examination was conducted at PIMS and that doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present. He attributed the decision to use PIMS to security concerns surrounding the route to and area around Shifa International Hospital, which he said had been created by PTI workers. The minister maintained that the government had provided medical facilities to Imran in the past and would continue to do so whenever required. Opposition accuses government of contempt Opposition parties, however, strongly criticised the government’s handling of the matter. Opposition leaders alleged that the Supreme Court’s order had not been implemented in the manner directed and questioned the circumstances under which Imran was separated from his sister and physician. National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the government’s decision and said those responsible should be held accountable. Achakzai questioned the circumstances surrounding the events during the night and described the episode as evidence of wider political problems in the country. Raja Nasir Abbas alleged that the government had effectively disregarded the Supreme Court’s decision by not transferring Imran to Shifa International Hospital as expected. He said the opposition would continue its legal and political struggle over the matter. The opposition leaders also expressed concern about Imran’s health and called for his medical treatment to be conducted transparently. Opposition alliance plans Supreme Court action The opposition’s joint parliamentary party, operating under the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) platform, also held a meeting at Parliament House. The meeting was chaired by Achakzai and attended by Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other opposition lawmakers. The participants discussed Imran’s health, the Supreme Court order, the country’s political

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    PTI to file contempt plea over Imran Khan hospital…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced that it will approach the Supreme Court over what it describes as the government’s failure to implement its order regarding Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party would file a contempt petition on Saturday. He alleged that the authorities did not comply with the court’s directions and failed to constitute the medical board ordered by the Supreme Court. The development follows the government’s decision to take Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination instead of Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran was taken to PIMS during the night between August 20 and 21 because of security concerns around Shifa Hospital. According to Tarar, doctors from Shifa were present during the examination, while a team comprising specialists examined Imran and declared him medically fit. He said Imran was later taken back to Adiala jail at around 5am. Raja rejected the government’s explanation, saying there was no unusual rush on the roads leading to Shifa. He also claimed that Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, was taken to the hospital in a police-escorted vehicle. The PTI leader said the party’s political and parliamentary committees were meeting to determine its next course of action. He also reiterated that PTI had already announced plans for street protests over the issue. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan separately criticised the government’s handling of the matter. He questioned how political negotiations could continue when, according to him, a clear Supreme Court order had not been implemented. Gohar said the party had been assured that the court’s directions would be followed. He argued that the order clearly required Imran to be shifted to a hospital for treatment and undergo medical tests. He also questioned why the PTI leadership and Imran’s family were not properly informed about the transfer and medical examination. “You do not shake hands like this. Negotiations do not happen like this,” Gohar said while responding to the government’s offer for political dialogue. Speaking in the National Assembly, he warned that PTI could reconsider its participation in Parliament. He said the party would decide within a few days whether it would continue attending the assembly. Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also raised questions over the overnight transfer. He said people had expected Imran to be taken to Shifa after the Supreme Court order, but later learned that he had been taken to another hospital. Achakzai expressed concern that elements within the government could be attempting to damage prospects for political dialogue between PTI and the government. The controversy stems from a Supreme Court order issued earlier this week directing that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for several days. The court also ordered weekly meetings between Imran and his family and allowed access to his personal physician. The court directed that a medical board comprising an ophthalmologist, general physician and cardiologist be formed, with Dr Faisal Sultan and Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, associated with the process. The Supreme Court also ordered that Imran’s medical reports remain confidential and should not be used for political purposes. It instructed PTI supporters and lawyers not to hold political activities or press conferences outside the hospital.

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    Imran Khan shifa hospital transfer: PTI announces …

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to approach the Supreme Court with a contempt of court petition if former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is not transferred to Shifa International Hospital by Thursday night. According to PTI sources, the party is waiting for implementation of the Supreme Court’s order regarding Imran Khan’s Shifa Hospital transfer. If no progress is made by the deadline, the party plans to file the contempt petition on Friday morning. The Supreme Court had ordered on August 18 that Khan, who remains imprisoned, be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment and treatment. The court also directed the formation of a medical board, including specialists and Khan’s personal physician. The order came amid continuing concerns surrounding Khan’s health and access to medical treatment. The court also issued directions concerning family meetings and communication with his son. The government, however, challenged the decision. On August 19, it filed a review petition arguing that the order to move Khan to a private hospital should be reconsidered. The government has maintained that existing prison and legal procedures should be followed regarding treatment of prisoners. The legal dispute intensified on Thursday when the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the government’s review petition after raising objections. Sources said the government intends to address the objections and submit the petition again. PTI has maintained that the Supreme Court’s order should be implemented without delay. Party representatives have warned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to contempt proceedings against the officials responsible for implementation. The developing situation has created another legal and political confrontation between PTI and the government. The next several hours could determine whether the matter is resolved administratively or moves into another round of proceedings before the Supreme Court. For now, PTI’s position is clear: if Imran Khan is not shifted to Shifa International Hospital by Thursday night, the party says it will seek legal action through a contempt of court petition on Friday morning.

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    PTI rally sparks clashes, gridlock in Karachi

    A protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Karachi turned violent on Tuesday after party workers gathered near Fountain Chowk to express solidarity with PTI founder Imran Khan, leading to clashes with police, multiple arrests, and widespread traffic disruption. Hundreds of PTI supporters assembled at the protest site, chanting slogans and demanding the release of the party’s founder. The situation escalated when some protesters allegedly pelted police with stones as law enforcement attempted to prevent the gathering from moving forward. Police responded by firing tear gas shells and launching a baton charge to disperse the crowd and regain control of the area. The confrontation created panic among protesters and passersby, while security personnel moved in to clear the protest site and restore order. During the crackdown, police detained several PTI leaders and workers, including PTI Sindh Secretary General Dr. Masroor Siyal. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of arrests or provide details about any injuries sustained during the clashes. The demonstration also brought traffic in parts of Karachi to a standstill. Roads surrounding Governor House, Metropole, Shaheen Complex, and nearby commercial areas witnessed severe congestion as police blocked several routes and diverted traffic. Long queues of vehicles formed across the city center, leaving commuters stranded for hours and disrupting routine business activity. The protest formed part of PTI’s ongoing campaign to show support for its jailed founder, with party workers continuing to hold demonstrations in different parts of the country despite heightened security measures and police action.