Islamabad: The Supreme Court has directed authorities to provide PTI founder Imran Khan with access to specialist eye doctors and to allow him telephone contact with his children.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the case, during which a report was presented before the court.
According to the report, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the medical facilities being provided to him in custody and requested access to specialist ophthalmologists.
During the hearing, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor informed the court that the government was prepared to facilitate access to specialist eye doctors. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that the government appeared to be in a positive frame of mind and stated that Imran Khan should also be allowed telephone contact with his children. He observed that since Khan is currently in state custody, he—like all other prisoners—must be provided equal medical facilities. The court emphasized that it was not seeking preferential treatment for Imran Khan compared to other inmates, but rather equal treatment for all prisoners.
The Chief Justice further noted that the reports submitted by the court-appointed friend of the court and the jail superintendent were consistent with each other.
The court directed that a medical examination of Imran Khan’s eyes be conducted and ordered the formation of a team of doctors for this purpose. It instructed that both the medical arrangements and the provision of telephone contact be implemented before February 16. The Chief Justice observed that health issues are of paramount importance and require careful attention, adding that the court wanted to know the government’s position regarding medical care.
The Attorney General responded that it is the state’s responsibility to provide healthcare facilities and assured the court that if a prisoner is not satisfied, the state will take appropriate measures.
The Chief Justice also highlighted the importance of the issue of telephone calls with his children, stating that the court was placing its trust in the government. The bench reserved its order in the main case.
