ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has called for action against anyone found guilty of contempt of court in connection with the delayed transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a hospital.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Barrister Gohar said that those responsible for violating court directions should be punished. His comments came as the PTI leadership continued to raise concerns over Imran Khan’s health and the arrangements for his medical examination and possible hospital transfer.
Barrister Gohar said he had arrived at the Supreme Court seeking a meeting with the Chief Justice, but the meeting could not take place because of the Chief Justice’s engagements. He said that he and senior lawyer Latif Khosa met the Supreme Court registrar instead.
According to Barrister Gohar, the registrar assured them regarding the formation of a bench to hear the matter. He said that the bench could also be constituted online and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would schedule a hearing soon.
The PTI chairman also rejected speculation that Imran Khan could enter into a political deal in exchange for relief. He insisted that the PTI founder does not make deals and would not want to remain in hospital any longer than necessary.
“Imran Khan does not make deals,” Barrister Gohar said, adding that the former prime minister would not want to spend even a minute in hospital beyond what was required for medical tests. He argued that if Imran Khan had wanted a political deal, he would not have spent nearly three years in prison.
The issue of Imran Khan’s health and medical treatment has become a major point of political controversy between PTI and the government. PTI leaders have repeatedly demanded that the party founder receive proper medical attention and be transferred to a hospital for necessary tests.
Barrister Gohar maintained that the party was not attempting to politicize the medical issue. He said the demand was straightforward: Imran Khan should be medically examined and, where necessary, transferred to a hospital in accordance with legal and constitutional rights.
He also defended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, rejecting suggestions that the chief minister was acting as a representative of a particular individual or group. According to Barrister Gohar, Afridi is the chief executive of a province representing around 40 million people and is the elected chief minister supported by PTI.
Barrister Gohar said the party had no intention of using Imran Khan’s health as a political issue. Instead, he argued that the former prime minister should receive appropriate medical care and that any required tests should be conducted without unnecessary delay.
He further referred to an earlier Supreme Court order concerning the formation of a medical board. According to Barrister Gohar, the order clearly provided for the establishment of a board that would include Imran Khan’s sister. He maintained that the court order remained legally operative and could be implemented.
“Please take the health of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi seriously,” Barrister Gohar said, urging the relevant authorities to follow the court’s directions.
The PTI chairman also defended Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s statements regarding Imran Khan’s health. He said Afridi’s position on the issue was correct and that the chief minister had spoken about those who were allegedly preventing the former prime minister’s hospital transfer.
Barrister Gohar argued that attention was being diverted from the main issue by focusing on a single sentence from Afridi’s remarks. In his view, the central question was not political rhetoric but whether Imran Khan was receiving the medical attention and hospital access required under the circumstances.
The PTI leader also reiterated that the party’s popularity was closely linked to Imran Khan and that its leadership remained committed to protecting his interests and rights. He said the party would continue to pursue the matter through legal and constitutional channels.
The dispute highlights the continuing tension between PTI and the authorities over Imran Khan’s detention, medical treatment, and access to healthcare. For the opposition party, compliance with court orders and access to appropriate medical facilities are matters of fundamental rights. Government officials, meanwhile, have offered their own explanations regarding the former prime minister’s medical condition and treatment arrangements.
The controversy is now likely to remain before the courts, where the precise scope of existing orders, the responsibilities of the authorities, and any alleged violations can be examined. If the Supreme Court proceeds with the matter, its decision could provide further clarity on the arrangements for Imran Khan’s medical care and on whether any individual or institution failed to comply with judicial directions.
Barrister Gohar’s latest remarks indicate that PTI intends to pursue the issue through the judicial system rather than rely solely on political statements. The party is seeking implementation of what it considers clear court directions and accountability for anyone found to have violated them.
At the heart of the dispute is a broader question concerning the treatment of political prisoners and their right to appropriate medical care. Regardless of political affiliation, access to necessary healthcare and compliance with judicial orders remain important principles in a constitutional system. The coming proceedings will determine how the court interprets the relevant orders and whether further action is warranted.
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