Court reviews vision concerns as government insists jailed former prime minister receive proper medical care
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical board while deciding a petition filed by former prime minister Imran Khan demanding his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
The case was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. PTI founder Khan was represented by lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, while Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez also appeared before the court.
During the hearing, Khosa told the court that Khan had been complaining of worsening vision in his right eye since October. He said prison doctors initially treated the case as routine and that Khan was only moved to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after his eyesight was “almost lost.” He added that the family and the legal team were not informed during this period.
The court asked that Khosa be allowed to complete his arguments and directed Islamabad’s attorney general to review medical reports and previous rulings related to the case.
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Citing prison rules and previous court rulings, Khosa argued that there were serious concerns about Khan’s health and life and that immediate specialist care was needed. The court ordered both sides to continue presenting arguments.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir asked under which case former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had earlier received relief. Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat replied that it had been given through a writ.
Justice Tahir noted that the case would be decided according to law and questioned what would happen if a prisoner was not satisfied with medical treatment. The solicitor general replied that the satisfaction of the medical officer – not the inmate – was required under the rules.
Noting that treatment was already being given, the judge suggested that a medical check-up could be carried out at Shifa Hospital, with access to Khan’s personal doctors. “The treatment is being done and the government acknowledges this. Dr Nadeem Qureshi is an excellent retina specialist,” Justice Tahir said.
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During the proceedings, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan said: “They don’t even tell the truth; they keep lying all day.” The judge replied that Dr. Qureshi was able to brief Khan’s doctors on the ongoing treatment.
A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court on February 15 stated that Khan’s vision in his right eye had decreased to 15%, leading to renewed calls by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for his release on medical grounds. His family has also demanded that he be moved to Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment by his personal doctors.
However, government officials maintain that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care in custody.
Khan has been jailed since August 2023 and is serving a sentence in Adiala prison in the £190 million corruption case. He also faces pending charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the May 9, 2023 protests.
