The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered a fresh medical examination of Imran Khan while hearing a petition about his medical treatment. The petition had requested his transfer to a private hospital for tests.
The court directed authorities to form a new medical board to assess Imran Khan’s health. The board will carry out a detailed examination and submit a formal medical report.
The bench stated that the board should determine whether Imran Khan needs treatment outside jail. The medical team will also recommend the next steps for his care.
Court Rejects Immediate Hospital Transfer
During the hearing, the court rejected a request for the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital. However, the judges stressed that a new medical review must be conducted first.
The bench said the medical board will decide whether Imran Khan should be shifted to any hospital outside jail. The application was disposed of after the court issued these directions.
The petition had asked the court to allow the PTI founder to undergo tests and treatment at Shifa International Hospital. Lawyers also mentioned the possibility of shifting him to another medical facility.
Despite these requests, the court decided that a fresh medical examination was necessary before any decision.
Court Questions Absence of Medical Report
During the proceedings, the bench raised concerns about the lack of a medical report.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro noted that the court only had a statement from the prison superintendent. He asked whether a decision could be made based only on that statement.
The judges emphasized that a proper medical report was required before deciding any hospital transfer for Imran Khan.
Government Says Treatment Is Ongoing
Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat told the court that Imran Khan’s health condition was satisfactory. He said the former prime minister was already receiving medical care in jail.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir acknowledged that treatment was ongoing. However, he questioned why authorities could not briefly shift Khan to Shifa International Hospital for tests.
The judge said such tests could be completed within a short time.
The advocate general replied that the government was providing excellent medical care inside the prison.
Court Warns Authorities About Responsibility
During the hearing, Justice Tahir warned that authorities would be responsible if Imran Khan’s health worsened.
He asked government representatives whether they would accept responsibility if something happened later.
Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat responded that the government would take responsibility.
Justice Soomro then asked whether that statement should be placed on the official court record.
The advocate general also read an order from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The order required that an eye specialist be included in the medical board.
Lawyers Highlight Prisoner Rights
PTI lawyer Babar Awan referred to the case of Nawaz Sharif. He argued that Sharif had been allowed access to personal doctors during medical treatment.
During his arguments, Babar Awan also cited religious guidance about the proper treatment of prisoners.
Justice Tahir responded that Pakistan’s Constitution also recognizes prisoner rights.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan briefly spoke in court. She said the family had been appearing in courts for about a year.
The bench asked her not to speak while her lawyer was presenting arguments. She later apologized to the court.
Lawyers Complete Arguments
The PTI founder’s legal team, including Salman Akram Raja, completed their arguments.
They argued that Khan’s personal doctors had previously been allowed to visit him in jail.
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After the defense concluded, the Islamabad advocate general began presenting the government’s response before the court.
