Court probes vision problems as government insists jailed ex-PM receives proper medical care
Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical board while disposing of a petition filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking 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 advocate 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 jail doctors initially treated the matter as routine and Khan was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) only after his eyesight “almost lost”. He added that the family and legal team were not informed during this period.
The court asked that Khosa be allowed to complete his arguments and ordered the Islamabad advocate general to review medical reports and previous decisions 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 asked both sides to continue presenting their arguments.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir asked in which case former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had ever received relief. Attorney General Ayaz Shaukat responded that the measure was granted through a motion.
Justice Tahir remarked that the case would be decided according to law and wondered what would happen if a prisoner was not satisfied with the medical treatment. The attorney general responded that the satisfaction of the doctor – not the prisoner – was required by the rules.
The judge observed that treatment was already being provided and suggested that a medical examination could be carried out at Shifa Hospital, with access to Khan’s personal doctors. “Treatment is underway and the government recognizes 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 are not even telling the truth; they continue to lie all day long. The judge responded that Dr. Qureshi could inform Khan’s doctors about the ongoing treatment.
A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court on February 15 indicated that Khan’s vision in his right eye had diminished to 15%, prompting fresh calls from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for his release on medical grounds. His family also demanded that he be transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment by his personal doctors.
Government officials, however, say Khan is receiving adequate medical care in detention.
Khan has been jailed since August 2023 and is serving a sentence in Adiala Prison in connection with a £190 million corruption case. He also faces ongoing trials under the anti-terrorism law related to the May 9, 2023 protests.
