The PTI has accused the government of defying a Supreme Court order on the medical treatment of party founder Imran Khan.
The Supreme Court ordered authorities on Tuesday to move Imran to Shifa International Hospital.
However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that authorities took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead.
The development triggered strong criticism from PTI leaders and Imran’s family.
Imran taken to PIMS
Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, said she received a call asking her to reach Adiala Jail on Friday evening.
She arrived at the jail with Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, at around 8pm.
Uzma said officials later separated her from Dr Sultan.
Police then took her to PIMS, while Dr Sultan went to Shifa International Hospital.
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Uzma said officials did not clearly explain the change in plans.
She eventually met Imran at PIMS, where doctors examined his right eye.
The doctors also conducted several tests during the examination.
Uzma said doctors told her that Imran’s eye condition and haemorrhage had improved.
She added that his blood pressure remained normal at around 120/80.
Doctor waits at Shifa
Dr Faisal Sultan gave a separate account of the incident.
He said authorities took him to Shifa International Hospital from Adiala Jail.
Hospital staff asked him to wait for Imran’s arrival.
Sultan said he waited for around two and a half hours.
Officials later told him that Imran might not arrive at the hospital.
They then advised him to return to Adiala Jail.
Sultan said he later saw Uzma arriving at the jail from another vehicle.
The two then learned that authorities had taken them to different hospitals.
Uzma raises concerns over prison conditions
Uzma said Imran complained about his treatment inside Adiala Jail.
According to her, Imran said authorities had restricted his access to newspapers, television and reading material.
She also said he complained about prolonged isolation.
Uzma quoted Imran as saying that he had repeatedly raised health concerns with prison doctors.
She claimed that officials did not adequately respond to those concerns.
Uzma also rejected reports that Imran opposed treatment at Shifa International Hospital.
She said he expected a complete medical examination and further treatment if necessary.
Imran’s health improves
Uzma said Imran’s health remained stable after the examination.
She said his vision had improved.
She added that only a small haemorrhage remained in his eye.
Imran has received treatment at PIMS several times following his diagnosis with right central retinal vein occlusion.
The condition affects blood flow through the retina and can impair vision.
KP chief minister calls for action
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also criticised the government.
He said the administration had ignored an order issued by three Supreme Court judges.
“A decision by three judges of the Supreme Court was thrown in the dustbin,” Afridi said.
He described the government’s action as contempt of court.
The Supreme Court had also directed authorities not to use Imran’s medical reports or health information for political purposes.
The dispute now centres on why authorities took Imran to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital.
It also raises questions about whether the government fully complied with the Supreme Court’s directive.
