Imran Khan’s eyesight reduced to 15%, says CM Sohail Afridi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday stated that eyesight of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s founding chairman Imran Khan has been reduced to only 10 to 15 percent and people would not sit idle as this is a matter of their leader’s life.

Addressing a press conference along with Aleema Khan outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, CM Afridi remarked: “People of Pakistan can no longer sit idly and even the party leadership will no longer be able to restrain PTI workers.”

He stated that if the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decide to shut down the province, the provincial institutions and police will not stop them.

Afridi further added that even when Imran was being moved to the hospital, his family was not informed. He claimed that the medical reports issued by the “fake government” are alarming and that the current rulers, unable to compete with the popularity of the PTI founder, have now become thirsty for his blood.

READ MORE: SC appoints Salman Safdar as ‘amicus curiae’ to visit Imran Khan in jail

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the Toshakhana criminal case while ordering an eye examination for Imran, who is currently incarcerated in the Adiala jail, Aaj News reported.

On Thursday, a two-member bench headed by SC Chief Justice Yahya Afridi heard the petition against the trial of Imran and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana criminal case. After hearing the arguments, the bench reserved its decision, with the chief justice remarking that the court would issue an appropriate order on the matter.

During the proceedings, Barrister Salman Safdar presented a report regarding the PTI founder’s health. The report stated that Imran expressed satisfaction with his safety measures, food, and security arrangements in jail.

Barrister Salman read out the recommendations of the report and requested that the medical examination be conducted in the presence of a family member. However, the court rejected the plea for a family member’s presence. Instead, the Supreme Court directed that a team of doctors be formed for the eye examination, ordering that the check-up be completed before February 16.

Additionally, the court directed that certain books be provided to Imran for his reading. The bench also ordered that the PTI founder be allowed to speak with his children over the phone, a process which must also be completed before February 16.

The attorney general assured the court that implementation of all judicial orders would be ensured.

While hearing appeals against the Toshakhana criminal trial, the top court on February 10 appointed Barrister Salman as amicus curiae (an impartial adviser to a court) and granted him permission to meet former prime minister in prison.

The development had come a day after the apex court had rejected a plea from PTI lawyers for an immediate meeting with incarcerated Imran.

Salman was tasked with assessing the former prime minister’s condition and the facilities provided to him in jail. The court had ordered the barrister to submit a comprehensive written report on his findings.