PTI Violated Court Order Through Political Statements: Tarar

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said the government fully complied with the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the medical examination of PTI founder Imran Khan, arguing that it was the PTI leadership, rather than the administration, that violated the court’s order by making political statements.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, Tarar said the PML-N government believed health-related matters should not be exploited for political purposes.

He said the Supreme Court had directed that no political point-scoring should take place in connection with the matter. Tarar alleged that Imran Khan’s family and legal team had themselves risked contempt of court by making allegations against the government.

The Supreme Court had ordered the government on Tuesday to shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.

Tarar said the PTI founder underwent the required medical examination in accordance with the court’s directions, while his sister was also present. He maintained that all requirements set out by the court were fulfilled.

The minister said the administration had complied with the court’s instructions and kept the public informed about the matter. He accused PTI of spreading what he described as false propaganda regarding Imran Khan’s health and urged the party to avoid politicising legal and medical issues.

Tarar also referred to statements allegedly made by Imran Khan about the health of others during his time in power, saying such remarks were already a matter of public record.

He said the government had raised questions in its review petition about whether all prisoners should receive equal medical facilities and whether special treatment should be extended to any individual.

Questioning the PTI’s conduct, Tarar asked who had politicised the issue by gathering supporters outside Shifa International Hospital, creating security concerns and making political statements despite the court’s direction against political activity around the facility.

The information minister stressed that legal and medical matters should be treated separately, adding that doctors were the appropriate authorities to assess Imran Khan’s health. He said the government had never obstructed the PTI founder’s treatment and would continue providing medical care whenever necessary.

Tarar also welcomed statements from the Pakistan Bar Council and Punjab Bar Council distancing themselves from remarks made by certain members in their individual capacities. He said bar platforms should not be used for political purposes.