ISLAMABAD: In a bold move highlighting concerns over former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has approached Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The petition, filed on Wednesday, demands that Khan receive specialized eye treatment at his preferred hospital and consult with private doctors of his choice. Local media reports indicate growing dissatisfaction within PTI ranks regarding the current medical care provided to the 73-year-old leader.
PTI lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa submitted the petition on Khan’s behalf shortly after a follow-up checkup. The plea names the Islamabad District Election Commissioner as the respondent, referencing the Toshakhana case that led to Khan’s initial arrest in 2022. Khan specifically requests immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for retina specialist consultation. He also seeks permission to involve his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yusuf, in all diagnostic and treatment processes.
The petition further urges the court to ensure Khan’s family receives full transparency on his medical updates and is allowed proper access during checkups. It demands signed copies of all medical reports be provided to his legal team for effective representation. Khosa emphasized Khan’s advanced age and deteriorating health as a national concern, criticizing the secretive nature of recent examinations at PIMS hospital.
‘Such opacity breeds serious doubts,’ Khosa argued, noting that no information has been shared with Khan’s family or external doctors. This comes amid reports of Khan suffering from Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), with an initial procedure on January 24 revealed only days later by the government. Opposition voices have accused authorities of lacking transparency and denying Khan adequate care, charges dismissed by officials.
As legal battles continue, this petition underscores the high stakes surrounding Khan’s well-being and PTI’s fight for his rights amid ongoing political turmoil. The Supreme Court’s response could set precedents for prisoner healthcare in Pakistan.