ISLAMABAD: Noreen Niazi, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, visited him at Adiala jail on Tuesday, marking her second meeting with the former prime minister in a span of two weeks. The meeting lasted approximately 40 to 45 minutes and took place in the jail’s conference room.
During the visit, Noreen discussed various issues with her brother before departing the prison without addressing the media gathered outside. PTI lawyer Awais Younas Chaudhry confirmed that Noreen was granted access to meet Imran following meetings allowed for members of Bushra Bibi’s family. Two other sisters waited in the vehicle during the meeting, and all siblings left together without commenting to reporters.
This meeting follows Noreen’s previous visit on August 18. Chaudhry emphasized that the PTI is adhering to the Supreme Court’s guidelines, noting that the recent court intervention has facilitated the possibility of meetings with the party’s founding chairman. He expressed optimism that the government would fully comply with the Supreme Court’s directives, including transferring Imran to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment under the supervision of his personal doctors.
Meanwhile, a legal dispute continues over the implementation of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order, which instructed the government to move Imran from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a thorough medical examination and necessary treatment.
However, on the night between August 20 and 21, Imran was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of Shifa. After the examination by a team of doctors, including specialists, he was returned to Adiala jail. The government cited security concerns along the route to Shifa and outside the hospital as reasons for this decision.
Imran’s family and PTI have challenged the government’s explanation, arguing that the Supreme Court’s order was not properly followed. Subsequently, Imran’s sister Dr. Uzma Khan filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, naming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other officials as respondents.
The petition seeks to initiate contempt proceedings for alleged non-compliance with the court’s order and demands Imran’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for the mandated medical examination and treatment. Initially, the Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the petition due to objections including the absence of a list of charges against the respondents. After addressing these issues, the petition was resubmitted and formally numbered by the court.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing of the contempt petition for September 16. This development unfolds amid ongoing concerns regarding Imran Khan’s health and the legal tussle over his medical care.
