ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the formation of a medical board to assess the health condition of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, responding to a petition seeking his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialized treatment.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, heard the petition filed by the PTI founder. Khan’s counsel, Sardar Latif Khosa, argued that his client’s eyesight has significantly deteriorated, claiming that initial treatment by jail doctors was routine and that the former premier was only shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after his vision was “almost lost.”
Key Highlights from the Hearing:
- Medical Concerns: Khosa informed the court that Khan has been complaining about vision loss in his right eye since October. A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court on February 15 indicated that his vision has declined to 15%, prompting renewed calls for medical release.
- Government’s Stance: Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat maintained that under prison rules, the satisfaction of the medical officer—rather than the prisoner—regarding treatment is required. However, he noted that the government acknowledges treatment is being provided.
- Court’s Observations: Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir remarked that a medical check-up could be conducted at Shifa Hospital with access granted to Khan’s personal doctors, adding, “Dr Nadeem Qureshi is an excellent retina specialist.”
- Arguments and Next Steps: The court instructed both sides to continue arguments and directed the advocate general to review previous medical reports and relevant court decisions, including relief previously granted to former PM Nawaz Sharif.
During the proceedings, Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, expressed frustration, stating, “They do not even tell the truth; they keep lying all day.” The judge assured that Dr. Qureshi could brief Khan’s personal doctors on the ongoing treatment.
Background
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in connection with the £190 million corruption case and is currently held at Adiala Jail. His party, the PTI, continues to demand his release on medical grounds, while government officials insist he is receiving appropriate medical care in custody. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023, protests.
