ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi on Saturday dismissed apetition by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf seeking permission for its founder andformer prime minister Imran Khan to undergo medical examination by hispersonal doctors at Adiala Jail. The decision came amid ongoing debatesover the health of the incarcerated leader, who recently faced aneye-related issue requiring treatment. The ruling underscores the limits ofjudicial intervention in prison medical protocols for accused persons.
The petition, filed by Imran Khan’s legal team, specifically requestedaccess for three named physicians — Dr Asim Yousaf, Dr Khurram Mirza and DrSamina Niazi — to enter the prison premises and conduct a thoroughcheck-up. PTI argued that this was essential given concerns about Khan’swell-being while in custody. The plea highlighted the constitutional andlegal rights of undertrial prisoners to choose medical practitioners undercertain circumstances.
During the hearing presided over by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, SpecialPublic Prosecutor Zaheer Shah strongly opposed the application. Hecontended that Imran Khan was not an undertrial prisoner in the traditionalsense for this matter but an accused in the May 9 General Headquartersattack case. The prosecutor emphasized that Khan was currently out on bailin that specific case, limiting the court’s jurisdiction over his custodyarrangements.
The prosecution further argued that a criminal court lacks authority todictate or regulate medical facilities for an accused individual on bail.Under Pakistan Prison Rules, personal doctors are not typically permittedfor prisoners, and medical care is managed internally by jail authoritiesor designated government facilities. This position was supported bysubmissions indicating that adequate treatment was already being provided.
Reports from jail administration clarified that Imran Khan, classified as aB-Class prisoner, receives all entitled facilities, including healthcare,specialized meals, exercise, reading materials and walks. A medical reportsubmitted earlier detailed examinations conducted in line with prisonregulations, including assessments at the Pakistan Institute of MedicalSciences for an eye condition involving reduced vision in the right eye.
The court’s reserved verdict, announced after reviewing arguments from bothsides, rejected the plea outright. Judge Amjad Ali Shah ruled that propermedical treatment was ongoing per established jail rules, rendering therequest for external private doctors unnecessary. This decision aligns withprecedents where courts defer to prison protocols unless clear violationsare proven.
The dismissal has sparked reactions from PTI circles, with party leadersand lawyers expressing disappointment. Khan’s counsel, including FaisalMalik, noted outside the courtroom that the jail superintendent hadconfirmed ongoing treatment but failed to provide a detailed report in someinstances. PTI has previously approached higher forums, including theSupreme Court, over similar concerns regarding medical access and familyvisitation rights.
Imran Khan’s health has remained a focal point in recent months,particularly following reports of an eye ailment diagnosed as right centralretinal vein occlusion. He underwent a brief procedure at a governmenthospital, with officials asserting he remains in good health. Familymembers and party affiliates have repeatedly sought transparency andindependent verification through personal physicians.
The case ties into broader legal proceedings against the PTI founder,including multiple convictions and ongoing trials related to eventsfollowing his ouster in 2022. The May 9 incidents, involving attacks onmilitary installations, form the backdrop for several charges where Khanfaces serious allegations. Authorities maintain that all judicial processesadhere to due process and prison standards.
This ruling reinforces the principle that prison medical arrangements fallunder administrative oversight rather than ad hoc judicial orders,especially for high-profile detainees. It also highlights tensions betweenopposition demands for special accommodations and the government’sinsistence on uniform application of rules. Observers note that suchpetitions often test the boundaries of prisoner rights in politicallycharged environments.
The development occurs against a backdrop of PTI’s continued advocacy forKhan’s release or improved conditions, including memorandums to the SupremeCourt alleging rights violations in detention. Information MinisterAttaullah Tarar has stated that detailed medical reports were shared withthe family on prime ministerial directives, aiming to address concerns.
In conclusion, the Anti-Terrorism Court’s decision maintains the status quoon Imran Khan’s medical care within Adiala Jail. It emphasizes reliance oninstitutional mechanisms over private interventions, potentially setting aprecedent for similar future requests in Pakistan’s judicial system.
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