Rawalpindi Court Rejects Imran Khan Private Doctor Request

The Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi has officially rejected a petition filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking medical treatment from his personal physicians. The legal team representing the PTI founder had submitted a request arguing that the former premier should be allowed to consult with doctors of his choice while in custody. The court heard detailed arguments from both the defense and the prosecution before delivering its final verdict on the matter.

Arguments from the Defense

Advocate Faisal Malik, representing Imran Khan, argued that every prisoner possesses the fundamental right to receive adequate medical facilities. He pointed out that providing health care is a basic necessity that the state must ensure for all detainees. During the proceedings, Malik cited the example of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, stating that Sharif was allowed access to his personal physicians during his time in prison. The defense emphasized that Imran Khan specifically requested his own doctors and warned that the government would be held responsible if any harm came to the health of the former Prime Minister.

Prosecution Opposes the Request

Prosecutor Zaheer Shah strongly opposed the petition, raising several legal points regarding the jurisdiction of the trial court. He noted that Imran Khan is currently on bail in the GHQ attack case and questioned how a court could provide legal cover for a person already granted bail to receive specific private medical care inside jail. Shah explained that the precedent involving Nawaz Sharif was different because the permission in that instance was granted by the Lahore High Court, which is a constitutional court. He argued that a trial court must remain within the strict boundaries of the law.

Prison Medical Protocols

The prosecution further clarified that jail medical staff are appointed by the provincial primary healthcare department. Zaheer Shah argued that the official medical staff remains accountable if anything happens to a prisoner during treatment. However, if a private doctor provides treatment, the state cannot be held responsible for the outcomes. After considering these points, the court decided to dismiss the request for treatment by personal doctors.

Supreme Court Forms New Bench

In a separate development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has formed a two-member bench to hear 13 different cases involving Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. This bench will be led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and will include Justice Shahid Bilal. The court has scheduled the hearings for February 9, marking a significant phase in the ongoing legal challenges faced by the PTI leadership.

Details of Pending Cases

The cases set for hearing include a wide range of legal issues, such as the appeal against the Election Commission’s criminal complaint and cases related to the Official Secrets Act. The bench will also review NAB appeals regarding bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case and the appeal against the acquittal of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Cipher case. Furthermore, the court will address bail matters related to the May 9 incidents in Lahore and defamation appeals involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This comprehensive judicial review is expected to have a major impact on the political landscape.