Government Accuses PTI of Contempt Over Health Statements

The political landscape in Pakistan has intensified as the government has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of violating a Supreme Court order concerning the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Following Khan's medical check-up at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar expressed his concerns regarding statements made by PTI representatives.

Minister Tarar emphasized that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) believes health issues should not be exploited for political advantage. He stated, “Our stance remains clear: politics and health should not be intertwined.” Tarar pointed out that during Khan's tenure, he had also made statements about the health of PML-N leaders while they were imprisoned.

After the Supreme Court's directive concerning Khan's medical evaluation, Tarar claimed that the government acted in compliance with the court's order, confirming that the necessary check-up had been executed transparently and with proper oversight, including the presence of Khan's sister and doctors from Shifa Hospital.

He was particularly taken aback by the PTI's reaction, asserting that they were ignorant of the situation, which led to a “baseless contempt petition” being filed against the government. Tarar stated, “If the PTI was aware of the circumstances, they would not have acted this way.” He accused them of gathering crowds outside the hospital and creating disruptions, thus violating the court's order that mandated no political interference during the medical assessment.

In a remark highlighting the absurdity of the situation, Tarar noted that it was unprecedented for a political party to complicate the healthcare of its own leader. He criticized the PTI for politicizing the issue, stating, “The prisoner’s family and his party have created chaos regarding his health treatment.”

The government’s stance was further supported by recent statements from the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), which condemned what they termed the government’s deliberate disregard for the Supreme Court's order issued on August 18. This order mandated that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for a thorough medical examination, attended by his family and personal physician while prohibiting any public disclosure of his health status until further notice.

Despite the Supreme Court's clear directives, the government has filed multiple review petitions challenging the order, arguing that it conflicts with established prison regulations and the principles of justice. The latest petition was rejected by the court, which pointed out procedural irregularities. Nonetheless, the government proceeded with plans to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital, only to ultimately bring him back to PIMS instead.

Tarar insisted that medical treatment for Khan would continue as required, urging the PTI and Khan's family to refrain from politicizing the situation further. He reiterated that the government had adhered to all legal protocols and expressed concern about the impact of PTI’s actions on Khan's health treatment.

Source: www.dawn.com