- SC orders specialist eye exam for Imran Khan by Feb 16.
- Amicus curiae Salman Safdar submits detailed seven-page jail report.
- Court mandates telephonic contact between Imran Khan and his children.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan, under the leadership of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, took a significant step regarding the incarceration conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Recognizing the gravity of reports concerning the health and facilities provided to the PTI founder at Adiala Jail, the court appointed Barrister Salman Safdar as a ‘Friend of the Court’ (Amicus Curiae). His primary mandate was to personally visit the facility, assess the living conditions, and provide an unbiased report on the medical status and amenities available to the former premier. This judicial intervention came during a hearing of a petition specifically addressing the lack of adequate healthcare and restricted access for the prisoner.
The Detailed Visit to Adiala Jail
Following the court’s directive, Barrister Salman Safdar visited Adiala Jail on a Tuesday for an extensive session with Imran Khan. The meeting lasted for over three hours, during which Safdar had the opportunity to inspect the specific cell where the former Prime Minister is being held. This direct observation was crucial for the seven-page report that Safdar subsequently compiled for the Supreme Court. Outside the prison gates, key figures including Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja waited for updates, though Safdar maintained professional confidentiality, choosing only to report his findings directly to the registrar’s office.
Submission of the Seven-Page Report
On Wednesday, the comprehensive report was officially submitted to the Supreme Court. In his interactions with the media within the court premises, Safdar emphasized that his first priority was to inform the judges. The report detailed the security arrangements and the physical environment of the cell. Interestingly, Safdar noted that while he observed the facilities, he refrained from making public statements regarding Khan’s health until the court had reviewed the findings. This report served as the foundation for the subsequent judicial orders issued by the two-member bench.
SC Directives on Medical Care and Communication
During the hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court issued a series of specific orders. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, after reviewing Safdar’s report, directed the federal government to ensure a team of specialist doctors examines Imran Khan before February 16. The focus of this medical attention is a concerning eye condition. The court also addressed the emotional well-being of the former premier, with the Attorney General providing assurances that a telephonic conversation between Khan and his children would be facilitated by the same deadline. While the court acknowledged the amicus curiae’s suggestion that family members be present during the medical exam, it ultimately did not grant this specific request, leaving the medical assessment to the professional team.
Understanding the Medical Concern: CRVO
The core of the medical urgency involves a condition known as Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in Khan’s right eye. According to reports from PIMS Hospital and medical experts, this condition involves a blockage in the main vein of the retina, which can lead to blood or fluid leakage, swelling, and potential permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The PTI has expressed deep concern, stating that such conditions are rare for individuals under 60 and suggesting that the lack of timely care in jail has exacerbated the issue. Experts note that CRVO requires immediate intervention to manage complications like glaucoma or retinal damage.
Provincial Government and PTI Reaction
The political fallout from these developments has been intense. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the federal government’s handling of the situation. Speaking at the 47th cabinet meeting, he termed the concealment of Khan’s health status as a gross violation of the constitution and basic human rights. He argued that the provincial government, formed on Khan’s mandate, would not stay silent on the alleged ‘inhumane treatment.’ Meanwhile, PTI’s official statement demanded immediate access to personal physicians, stressing that the implementation of the court’s order must be transparent. They emphasized that history is watching how the state treats its political opponents. The information for this report was sourced from BBC Urdu.