RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday rejected a petition seeking permission for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to be examined by his personal doctors while in prison.
The hearing related to the May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case was presided over by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah. Imran Khan was represented by his counsel Faisal Malik, while Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah appeared on behalf of the prosecution and opposed the request.
The prosecutor argued that Imran Khan, who is currently on bail in the GHQ attack case, is an under-trial prisoner and that criminal courts do not have the authority to regulate custodial matters for suspects on bail. He further stated that under Pakistan Prison Rules, prisoners are not entitled to treatment by personal physicians, adding that private medical care is not provided under the existing legal framework.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the petition seeking access to Imran Khan’s personal medical team.
It is pertinent to note that the former prime minister recently underwent an eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, where doctors reportedly diagnosed pressure in blood vessels affecting his eyesight. The PTI has alleged that details regarding his medical condition were withheld for several days.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, quoting messages from former first lady Bushra Bibi, who is also incarcerated, said Imran Khan’s health had improved following the procedure. According to her, doctors had warned that without timely treatment there was a risk of vision loss.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai last week wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking his intervention to ensure that Imran Khan is examined by doctors of his choice. In the letter, Achakzai said recent medical examinations were conducted without the knowledge or presence of Imran Khan’s personal doctors or family members and stressed the need for comprehensive assessments in line with medical ethics and fundamental rights.
Imran Khan’s family has also sought permission for his personal physician to examine him, claiming that such access has not been allowed for more than a year.
The Adiala Jail administration, however, maintains that Imran Khan is being provided all facilities available to B-Class prisoners under the law, including medical care, meals, exercise, reading material and regular walks.
Imran Khan, 72, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions in multiple cases. He denies all charges, which his party says are politically motivated after his removal from office through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022. Legal proceedings against him remain ongoing.