Dr Uzma Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has contested the official narrative regarding his recent hospital transfer. She asserted that only a brief eye examination and blood pressure check were conducted, with no medical files present during the process. Furthermore, she believed they were being taken to Shifa International Hospital, not PIMS.
Addressing the confusion at a press conference, Dr Uzma explained that officials refused to communicate with them from the start of the journey. Upon reaching Chaklala around Fajr, she repeatedly urged the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) that their treatment could amount to contempt of court.
She described the medical check-up as superficial, stating that only Imran Khan’s eyes and blood pressure were examined, with no other assessments performed. She questioned the use of eye drops and labeled the entire procedure as disorganized, noting the absence of any medical documentation. Afterward, Imran Khan was returned to Adiala Jail.
Dr Uzma also mentioned that Imran Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, had arrived by then. She humorously remarked that he seemed to have been “kidnapped.” Khan reportedly urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to expedite the process.
Highlighting alleged mistreatment during the past ten months in custody, Dr Uzma said Imran Khan complained of headaches and was ignored by authorities. She linked his hypertension to anxiety, warning it could lead to a brain hemorrhage. His heart rate was recorded at 42 beats per minute with blood pressure at 120. She claimed doctors informed officials but were not allowed to disclose the information publicly, drawing a parallel to the case of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, who died during a court appearance in 2019. Dr Uzma emphasized that the nation stood in solidarity with Khan.
Dr Faisal Sultan provided his version of events, stating they departed around 8:15-8:30 pm in two vehicles, leaving their phones behind when police collected him around 12:30 am. They reached Shifa International Hospital within 30-45 minutes and waited approximately two and a half to three hours, with officials repeatedly assuring Khan’s imminent arrival. Around 4:30 am, they were informed that Khan would not reach the hospital, prompting their return to Adiala.
He noted that while he was at Shifa, Dr Uzma was at PIMS, and they had no phone contact due to the absence of personal phones. Dr Sultan concluded that the situation was unclear, mentioning the return trip took about 40 minutes compared to 25-30 minutes on the way there, coinciding with the Fajr call to prayer.
This account contrasts with that of Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who stated that Khan was taken to the hospital under proper security on the night of August 20-21, following a Supreme Court order. Tarar said a team of qualified doctors, including an eye specialist, cardiologist, and physician, conducted a thorough examination and declared Khan medically fit. He added that Dr Uzma was present throughout the examination and treatment, and Khan was returned to Adiala Jail around 5 am on August 21.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the government and administration’s conduct on August 20, accusing them of violating a court order. He questioned the treatment of ordinary citizens if such actions were taken against Imran Khan. Afridi criticized the government for disregarding the rulings of three judges while fearing contempt of court proceedings. He urged the judiciary to enforce its decisions and consider action against those found in contempt.
Afridi warned that continued disregard for court orders could lead to a breakdown of law and order, where the powerful override legal authority. He predicted that the movement supporting Imran Khan would intensify as a result. Additionally, Afridi acknowledged the government’s admission of Khan’s poor health and dismissed claims that PTI supporters had taken to the streets, calling such assertions false.
