ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has rejected allegations surrounding the medical treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan, saying health-related matters should not be politicised and accusing the opposition party of spreading “false propaganda” over the issue.
Speaking on the matter, Tarar said that when the PML-N was in opposition, it had maintained that politics should not be brought into health issues, and that the government held the same position today.
“We believe that health matters should not be politicised,” Tarar said, adding that the issue was being turned into a political controversy through what he described as misleading propaganda.
The information minister said Imran Khan had previously made disparaging remarks about the health of other people, but the government did not adopt a disrespectful attitude when questions were raised about his own health.
According to Tarar, following a Supreme Court order concerning Imran Khan’s medical examination, the government complied with the court’s directions. He said Imran Khan was examined in the presence of his sister and doctors from Shifa International Hospital.
Tarar said the administration ensured implementation of the Supreme Court’s order and fulfilled all requirements specified by the court. He rejected what he called a baseless contempt-of-court petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying the government had presented the facts and acted in accordance with the judicial directions.
He also questioned the gathering of PTI supporters outside Shifa International Hospital, asking who had brought people there in groups despite the court’s direction that the matter should not be politicised.
Tarar accused Imran Khan’s family and PTI of themselves becoming involved in conduct that could amount to contempt of court. He questioned why, if the party genuinely wanted its founder to receive medical treatment, obstacles were allegedly created in the process.
Also Read: Security Situation Made Shifa Hospital Transfer of PTI Founder Impossible, Says Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
The minister further alleged that political statements were made and that security arrangements were also disrupted during the episode.
“Who committed contempt of court is evident to everyone,” Tarar said.
He also urged PTI not to use bar councils for its political agenda, saying some lawyers had issued statements and declarations in support of the party’s position. He called on bar councils to remain separate from the controversy.
Tarar reiterated that Imran Khan’s medical examination was conducted at PIMS in accordance with the court’s directions and maintained that every provision of the judicial order had been followed.
The dispute comes amid continued political tensions over the health and medical treatment of the PTI founder, with both sides trading accusations over the handling of his healthcare and the implementation of court orders.
