Supreme Court issues written order in Imran Khan’s eye treatment case

WEB DESK: The Supreme Court has issued its detailed written order dated February 12 in the case concerning the eyesight and detention conditions of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to the court order, the amicus curiae (friend of the court) Salman Safdar submitted a report regarding Khan’s living conditions in custody. The jail superintendent also filed a separate report before the bench, providing details related to his health and confinement arrangements.

The Supreme Court noted in its written ruling that, following implementation of its earlier directives issued on August 23 and 24, 2023, the matter has effectively become infructuous.

The court observed that both the amicus curiae and jail authorities had complied by submitting the required reports concerning Khan, thereby addressing the concerns raised in the petition.

Opposition links end of parliament sit-in to independent medical exam for Imran Khan

A protest camp established by opposition lawmakers within the Parliament House complex has entered its fourth consecutive day, with leaders making clear that the demonstration will not be called off without what they term “credible and independent” verification of former prime minister Imran Khan’s health.

While two auxiliary protest sites in the Red Zone have already been dismantled, the central sit-in remains intact. Opposition figures insist their demand is rooted in public confidence rather than political strategy.

At the centre of the standoff is a call for Khan’s personal physician, Dr Asim Yousuf, to be granted access to conduct an independent examination. Salman Akram Raja said the doctor had previously visited Adiala Jail and should be permitted to assess Khan again. He argued that official medical updates alone were insufficient to address public concerns.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas echoed the demand, stating that clarity over Khan’s reported eyesight issues was essential before the protest could end.

The sit-in, overseen by veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai, continues despite roads reopening in the Red Zone, underscoring ongoing political tensions.

Family demands independent specialists and representation during assessment

A five-member medical board visited Adiala Jail on Sunday to examine Imran Khan, amid growing concerns over his health and a dispute between authorities and his family over the manner of the inspection.

According to official sources, the team spent nearly an hour conducting tests after arriving at the facility. The examination followed Khan’s recent claim that vision in his right eye had deteriorated to 15 per cent. Acting on his complaint, the Supreme Court had directed prison authorities to ensure a comprehensive medical assessment and facilitate his contact with his children before February 16.

Despite earlier suggestions from government representatives that Khan might be shifted to a hospital, no such transfer occurred. Speculation intensified after his sister, Noreen Khanum, posted on social media that an ambulance had reached the jail to move him. Jail officials denied any relocation, maintaining that doctors were evaluating whether his condition could be managed within the prison or required hospitalisation.

Sources said the medical board carried out a detailed eye examination, drew blood samples and monitored his blood pressure. Specialised ophthalmic equipment was reportedly brought in for the assessment, which began after a delay of nearly two and a half hours. A formal report on the findings is expected to be compiled.

Khan previously underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on January 24, a development confirmed several days later.

Soon after Sunday’s examination concluded, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the process, alleging that it lacked transparency and sidelined the former premier’s family and personal doctors. In a statement, the party argued that critical medical decisions should involve those nominated by Khan and his relatives, calling symbolic invitations to party leaders insufficient.

In a separate statement on X, Aleema Khan reiterated the family’s demand that he be examined and treated by specialist doctors at Shifa International Hospital in the presence of his personal physician, Dr Asim Yousaf, and a family representative. She said nominees proposed by the family, including Dr Uzma Khan and Dr Nausherwan Burki, had been denied permission to attend, terming the repeated refusals “unacceptable” and raising concerns over transparency in the process.