ISLAMABAD: In a major development on legal front, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued an interim order on Tuesday directing that all medical records of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital, while mandating the formation of a specialized board of doctors to oversee his treatment.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, alongside Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, passed the directions while hearing petitions concerning the former prime minister’s health, medical treatment, and visitation rights.
Under the interim directives, the court ordered that Imran Khan be shifted to the hospital under tight security without compromising public order.
The bench stipulated that the board of doctors at Shifa International Hospital include Dr. Uzma (Imran Khan’s sister) and his personal physician during evaluations.
The court barred the PTI from politicizing the leader’s medical treatment and ruled that he will remain in the hospital until the next hearing.
In addition, the apex court restored weekly visitation rights for his family and directed Adiala Jail authorities to appear at the upcoming hearing along with complete records of past meetings with his family and communications with his children.
Bench Questions Authorities Over Complete Medical Records and Rights Violations
During the course of proceedings today, Justice Shahid Waheed expressed dissatisfaction over incomplete medical documentation, questioning why only summaries were being provided instead of comprehensive files.
“What is the issue with providing the full medical records of the PTI founder? We do not want a summary,” Justice Waheed remarked, directing the Advocate General Islamabad to submit all complete medical records before the next hearing.
Addressing concerns over his vital signs, Justice Waheed noted from submitted reports that Imran Khan’s pulse and heart rate were abnormal, adding that his vital organs were beginning to be impacted.
Justice Naeem Afghan also highlighted details from the submitted report regarding a required angiography, questioning whether such a procedure could be safely performed within prison walls.
The bench pressed the Advocate General on restrictions regarding family visitations. When the Advocate General stated that meetings are halted if laws are violated and noted that Khan’s sisters had met him 48 times over three years, Justice Waheed emphasized that family access is a constitutional guarantee.
“Meeting the sisters is not a favor; it is a fundamental right. Why are the directions of the Islamabad High Court not being followed?” Justice Waheed questioned.
The court has ordered the submission of complete historical logs of the sisters’ visitations over the past three years. Further hearing of the case has been adjourned until after the court’s summer vacations.
