The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities to provide PTI founder Imran Khan access to an eye specialist and facilitate telephone contact with his children, ordering that the arrangements be made before February 16.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the case relating to the former prime minister’s health. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Adviser Suhail Afridi and Barrister Salman Safdar appeared before the court.
During the hearing, the chief justice called Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan to the rostrum and referred to reports submitted by the friend of the court and the jail superintendent, noting that both were similar. Referring to paragraph 21 of the report, the court observed that the PTI founder had expressed satisfaction over security and food arrangements in jail but termed medical facilities unsatisfactory and sought access to an eye specialist.
The chief justice remarked that the PTI founder is currently in state custody and must receive the same medical facilities as other prisoners. “We will not say that he be given preferential treatment over other inmates. There must be equal treatment for all,” he observed.
The attorney general informed the court that the government was prepared to provide access to specialist eye doctors. The chief justice also noted that the PTI founder should be allowed telephone contact with his children. He added that the court was not issuing directions regarding additional books at this stage due to the reported eye condition.
The court directed that access to eye specialists and telephone contact with his children be arranged at the earliest, with the attorney general assuring compliance within two to three days. He further gave an undertaking that both facilities would be provided by February 16, which was made part of the court order.
Barrister Salman Safdar, appearing as friend of the court, requested that the medical examination be conducted in the presence of a family member; however, the chief justice observed that such an order could not be passed. The court rejected the request for a family member’s presence during the medical examination.
Safdar also sought provision of additional books, to which the chief justice responded that books could be provided if permitted by doctors. “Health is the most important issue. Providing medical facilities is the state’s responsibility,” he remarked, adding that the court trusted the government in this matter.
Earlier, a report on jail facilities was submitted, recommending an urgent eye examination. The report noted that the PTI founder had requested examination by his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf, though it added that he could also be examined by any qualified specialist.
According to the report, he informed the friend of the court that he has been incarcerated for two years and four months. He stated that his eyesight was 6/6 until October 2025, after which blurring began in his right eye and gradually worsened. He was reportedly told that the issue involved a blood clot and appeared concerned about diminished vision in one eye. The report further stated that his eyes continued to water during the meeting, causing visible discomfort.
The friend of the court also recommended immediate and effective fumigation measures in the cell and provision of a refrigerator to preserve food, describing them as basic necessities. It was further suggested that books be provided due to reported solitary confinement and lack of access to television.
During proceedings, the Supreme Court appreciated Barrister Salman Safdar for fulfilling his responsibilities as friend of the court. The chief justice said he had performed his duty commendably and also acknowledged the government for providing facilities.
At the outset of the hearing, senior lawyer Latif Khosa approached the rostrum regarding appeals related to the Toshakhana case. The chief justice observed that the appeal may have become infructuous. Khosa argued that certain applications, including summoning of defence witnesses and transfer of the case, could still be examined under specific circumstances.
The chief justice advised that the relevant forum should hear the case, while Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan noted that main appeals were pending before the high court and interim orders had been consolidated. “We cannot exercise appellate court powers,” the chief justice remarked, adding that the Supreme Court holds high respect for the high courts.
The court directed that both the medical access and telephone contact arrangements be completed before February 16.
