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Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has granted significant relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. ( Imran Khan ) On Tuesday, the Court ordered that Imran Khan—founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail—be shifted to Shifa International Hospital until the next hearing. The Court directed officials to ensure his medical treatment and examination. While issuing this order, a three-judge bench called for the constitution of a medical board for Imran Khan and directed that he be transported to the hospital under tight security. The Court also instructed officials to ensure that law and order is maintained outside the hospital.
Imran’s medical records to be submitted before the next hearing
During the hearing regarding matters concerning meetings with Imran Khan and his medical treatment, Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why his complete medical records had not been provided. He noted that the information previously submitted to the Court was merely a summary of the medical report. The Court directed that Imran Khan’s full medical records be submitted before the next hearing, stating that once the records are presented to the Court, they will no longer remain confidential.
Imran Khan’s pulse and heart condition are unstable
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan questioned whether the angiography mentioned in the medical report could be performed within the jail. The Advocate General of Islamabad informed the Court that the procedure could be carried out at a hospital outside the prison. Justice Shahid Waheed expressed concern regarding the medical report, noting irregularities in Imran Khan’s pulse and heart condition, and observed that his vital organs appeared to be affected.
Questions raised over restrictions on meetings with sisters
The Court also raised questions regarding the restrictions imposed on meetings between Imran Khan and his sisters. The judges stated that meeting family members is a fundamental right and questioned why the Islamabad High Court’s directives were not being followed. The Advocate General of Islamabad informed the court that Imran Khan had met his sisters 48 times over the past three years. Subsequently, the Supreme Court sought full details of these meetings and records of interactions involving his children. PTI lawyer Uzair Bhandari requested that Imran Khan be permitted to meet his sisters and doctors, and undergo a comprehensive medical examination at Shifa International Hospital.
**No media interaction regarding meetings**
The court also deliberated on the condition that no statements be made to the media following meetings with Imran Khan. The judges ruled that the PTI and the family must submit an affidavit confirming that there would be no communication with the media after the meetings. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan emphasized that Imran Khan’s health and medical treatment should not be turned into an issue for political activity.
**Court seeks record of meetings with Khan over the last 3 years**
The Supreme Court also requested information regarding the cases against Imran Khan, including the number of cases in which he is an undertrial prisoner, those in which he has been convicted, and those where the sentence has been suspended. The court directed Adiala Jail authorities to provide records of meetings held with Imran Khan over the past three years and to explain why the Islamabad High Court’s directives had not been complied with.
Justice Shahid Waheed inquired as to which of Imran Khan’s sisters should be granted permission to meet him. Lawyer Uzair Bhandari replied that Uzma Khan should be allowed to meet the PTI founder, as she is a doctor. The Additional Attorney General argued that no notice had been served to the government regarding Uzma Khan. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan noted that the government’s position would also be considered, given that the Advocate General of Islamabad was already appearing before the court. Who will bear the private hospital expenses? – Court
The Advocate General for Islamabad stated that he had not appeared in the case involving Uzma Khan. Justice Afghan questioned why he had not raised this issue earlier in the day. Justice Shahid Waheed reminded him that he was Islamabad’s senior-most law officer and advised him against proceeding in such a manner. Justice Shahid Waheed further asked why the petitioner wished to take Imran Khan to a private hospital. Uzair Bhandari replied that Khan was frequently taken to PIMS for medical treatment. The judge then asked who would bear the cost of the private hospital. Uzma Khan’s counsel stated that they would personally cover the expenses for treatment at the private hospital.
Medical report will not be made public
The Court also asked who would guarantee that Imran Khan’s medical report would not be made public or used for political purposes. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja assured the Court that the political party would not use the medical report for political objectives, stating that the report was a matter concerning Khan, his doctors, and his family.
The Supreme Court also directed the PTI not to politicize Imran Khan’s medical treatment. The Court ordered that Dr. Faisal Sultan and Uzma Khan remain with the PTI founder during the course of the treatment.
