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

The Supreme Court of Pakistan, while hearing appeals against the Toshakhana criminal trial, has appointed Barrister Salman Safdar as amicus curiae (an impartial adviser to a court) and granted him permission to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan in prison.

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

A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, issued the directive on Tuesday, tasking Safdar with assessing the former prime minister’s condition and the facilities provided to him in jail. The court ordered the barrister to submit a comprehensive written report on his findings.

During the proceedings, the chief justice directed the attorney general to ensure that no obstacles are placed in the way of the meeting.

READ MORE: SC rejects PTI lawyers’ plea for immediate meeting with Imran Khan

Addressing Barrister Safdar, the CJP remarked that the counsel should contact the court directly if he encounters any hindrance from jail authorities. Additionally, the court has summoned a formal report from the jail superintendent to bring all relevant facts on record.

The attorney general informed the bench that a report regarding the PTI founder’s earlier detention in Attock Jail (August 5–18, 2023) had already been submitted. However, the court maintained that Safdar’s appointment was necessary to ascertain the current situation on the ground.

Speaking to the media outside the court, Barrister Safdar confirmed his meeting was scheduled for 2:00 pm today. He stated that he is undertaking this “heavy responsibility” as a duty assigned by the court.

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing until February 12, noting that it will review Safdar’s report tomorrow before resuming proceedings the following day.

The development comes amid renewed political debate and legal proceedings regarding the former prime minister’s health and incarceration.

Earlier in the days, PTI had moved Supreme Court, seeking release of Imran Khan’s medical report.

Last month, PTI said it had learned through credible reports that Khan had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye, resulting in a dangerous blockage affecting vision.

PTI said medical experts who examined the former prime minister in jail had described the condition as highly sensitive and serious, warning that any delay in proper treatment could cause irreversible damage to his eyesight.

Leaders and supporters of embattled PTI have been facing different charges in numerous cases related to the May 9 violent protests and clashes that broke out across Pakistan in 2023.

The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their then party chief’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.

Imran, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riots.

The former PM’s family members have also faced legal battles for their alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents.