SC says IK’s living conditions ‘do not exhibit any perverse aspects’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court noted that, in light of the reports, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s living conditions in jail do not presently exhibit any perverse aspects.

A two-judge SC bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, in a seven-page order on Imran Khan’s petition, on living conditions in jail, said, “The petitioner (Imran) has generally expressed satisfaction with the prevailing conditions of his confinement and has not raised any concerns necessitating accommodations beyond the existing level of care.

It also said, “Having carefully perused both reports in detail, it is observed that their general contents and the overall picture emerging there from are largely consistent.” “It appears that the petitioner’s living conditions in jail do not presently exhibit any perverse aspects,” the order added.

The bench on February 10 had ordered Barrister Salman Safdar, who was appointed Friend of the Court (amicus curiae), and the Superintendent, Central Prison, Rawalpindi, to submit reports on Imran Khan’s living conditions in the jail, separately. The Court further noted that the assessment regarding the daily routine, food, condition of the confinement cell, regular basic medical examinations, and the safety and security of the petitioner within the jail premises, as provided in both reports, is, in material respects, positive and consistent.

The SC order reproduced para 20 from Salman Safdar’s report, which states: “That based on the personal inspection and interview conducted with the Petitioner, the undersigned concludes that the Petitioner has expressed satisfaction regarding his safety and security within the cell-block (compound), as well as contentment with his living conditions, amenities, and food provisions within the jail premises.

He had reiterated that his wants remain limited and reasonable, fully acknowledging the constraints of incarceration.”

The order stated that regarding the deteriorating optical condition of Imran Khan, Attorney-General for Pakistan Usman Mansoor Awan had assured the Court that all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure proper care of the petitioner’s (Imran) health in accordance with law.

He further assured that a medical examination by a team of expert ophthalmologists shall be conducted at the earliest, and in any event, before 16 February 2026.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026