Opposition flags Imran Khan’s detention, medical care in memo to CJP Afridi

ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have submitted a joint memorandum to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi through the registrar of the Supreme Court, raising concerns over the detention conditions, medical treatment and legal rights of Khan and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail.

Allegations of delayed and secret medical treatment

According to the memorandum, reports had emerged regarding what the opposition described as hurried and confidential medical procedures carried out on Khan at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The document claims that the government initially denied these reports for five days before eventually acknowledging them.

The memorandum alleges that jail authorities violated prison rules by keeping Khan’s family uninformed about his medical condition. It states that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was allowed to meet him for the first time since November 4, 2025.

Health concerns and hospitalisation

During the meeting, Bushra Bibi reportedly disclosed that the Khan had been suffering from persistent eye pain for nearly two weeks but was not provided a medical check-up. The memorandum claims that only after the pain intensified did a PIMS doctor examine him and recommend immediate hospitalisation for treatment.

Following the doctor’s advice, the Khan was transferred to hospital. However, the memorandum alleges that his personal physicians were not allowed to examine him during this period.

Failure to provide medical reports

The opposition also recalled that last Friday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with hundreds of parliamentarians, gathered outside the Supreme Court to highlight the issue. PTI leader Salman Akram Raja later met Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who, after consulting the attorney general, assured that medical reports would be provided.

Despite the assurance, the memorandum states that a week has passed without the medical reports being shared with the family.

Restrictions on meetings despite court orders

The memorandum further alleges that, despite judicial orders, family members and lawyers were not permitted to meet Khan on Tuesday. It notes that his sister last met him on December 2, 2025.

Imran Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail since August 5, 2023.

Claims of rights violations and legal delays

PTI claims that the basic and human rights of Khan are being consistently violated, including prolonged denial of access to family, lawyers and friends. The memorandum argues that extended solitary confinement amounts to torture under both Pakistani and international law.

It further alleges that orders issued by the higher judiciary, particularly the Islamabad High Court, are not being implemented. Despite filing contempt petitions, the Islamabad High Court has reportedly not initiated proceedings, prompting PTI to file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

Appeals pending across courts

According to the memorandum, the Supreme Court directed that the appeal be filed before the Federal Constitutional Court, where no hearing has yet been scheduled. It adds that petitions related to the fundamental rights of both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, who is also imprisoned at Adiala Jail, remain pending without hearings.

The memorandum also highlights delays in the Islamabad High Court, stating that multiple petitions remain unlisted due to objections, while applications seeking suspension of sentences have remained undecided for over a year. PTI has termed the prolonged delays in deciding these petitions as oppressive.