Islamabad – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) adjourned a hearing regarding a request to transfer former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital until March 12. The adjournment came after Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa, representing Khan, was found unprepared to address questions regarding relevant jail regulations. The case centers on Khan’s request for specialized medical care, specifically treatment for an eye condition, outside of the prison system.
The proceedings, heard by a two-member bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, were initially informed by the Advocate General Islamabad that a report from the jail superintendent had been received. However, the court noted concerns that this report had not been shared with the opposing counsel prior to the hearing. This delay prompted discussion regarding transparency and procedural fairness in the case.
Khosa proceeded to present the Adiala Jail superintendent’s report, which included a press release from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). According to Khosa, the report detailed Khan’s initial medical examination at the jail hospital and subsequent visits to PIMS, the second necessitated by the need for an injection. The advocate general confirmed these details, adding that a PIMS doctor had also conducted an examination within the jail and recommended administering the injection at a hospital setting.
Background of Imran Khan’s Medical Concerns
The current application builds on previous legal challenges regarding Khan’s health and detention. Khosa informed the court that a report submitted by Barrister Salman Safdar – originally presented to the Supreme Court – was attached to the miscellaneous application. This report, he stated, highlighted Khan’s eye condition and warned of potential serious consequences if treatment was delayed. Khan was previously held in Attock Jail following his conviction in the Toshakhana criminal case, a period Khosa described as a “strange situation.” A petition concerning his condition was initially filed in the Supreme Court in 2023, leading the court to request a report on the matter.
Khosa explained that when the case was revisited in 2026, he informed the Supreme Court of Khan’s developing eye condition. He alleged that the government initially denied the issue for five days before issuing a public statement. Safdar’s report recommended specific treatment for the eye condition, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
When pressed by Justice Tahir regarding the specific relief sought, Khosa reiterated the request for Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital, along with access to his personal physician and family members. This request aims to ensure Khan receives specialized care and has support during his treatment.
Government Opposition and Supreme Court Directives
The federation, represented by the Advocate General, objected to the transfer request, citing directives from the Supreme Court. The Advocate General informed the court that a medical board, comprised of doctors from PIMS – Dr. Arif and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi – had been established to oversee Khan’s eye condition treatment, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s instructions. He further argued that the Supreme Court had not issued any specific directives regarding Safdar’s recommendations and that the court should not issue directions through the current application.
Justice Soomro pointed out that the Supreme Court decision referenced by the Advocate General had been followed by a subsequent order, suggesting a more nuanced interpretation of the court’s directives. Justice Tahir acknowledged the matter was before the court for examination and requested Khosa to suggest a course of action.
The hearing was ultimately adjourned until March 12, with further proceedings also scheduled for that date, due to Khosa’s lack of preparedness regarding relevant jail rules. This delay underscores the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures in cases involving the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.
The IHC’s decision to adjourn the hearing highlights the complexities surrounding Imran Khan’s medical care and legal representation. The court will reconvene next week to further examine the request for transfer to Shifa International Hospital, balancing Khan’s medical needs with the government’s concerns and existing Supreme Court directives. The outcome of this hearing will be a key indicator of how the legal system will address the ongoing concerns regarding the former prime minister’s health while in custody.
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