SC orders formation of team of ophthalmologists to examine IK’s eye

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder’s eye check-up at the earliest by qualified ophthalmologists, as a report of “friend of court” claims Imran Khan has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard Imran Khan’s petition. The Court said in view of the report filed Salman Safdar the PTI founder, should be examined by a team of expert ophthalmologists at the earliest, preferably by February 16, and allow Imran Khan telephone contact with his sons.

Barrister Salman Safdar, who was appointed amicus curiae and ordered to file report on “living conditions of Imran Khan in the jail”, in his seven-page report stated; “According to the petitioner (Imran), he was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage, and despite the treatment administered (including an injection), he has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye.”

Imran underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad on the night of January 24.

The report mentioned, “Petitioner appeared visibly perturbed and deeply distressed by the loss of vision and the absence of timely and specialised medical intervention.” “Petitioner further stated that, given his age, he required regular and periodic blood tests, which were not conducted,” it added.

The report further stated that Imran expressed further disappointment that members of his immediate family and blood relations, including his sisters, have not been permitted to meet him. He further emphasized that despite multiple applications, requests, and Court orders, he was permitted only on two occasions during the year 2025, to speak via telephone with his sons, Qasim and Suleman, residing in the UK, the report also said.

The report recommended that in view of the gravity of Imran’s deteriorating ocular condition, it is imperative that the seriousness of the condition be independently ascertained without delay. He also recommended “Imran be examined at the earliest by a team of expert ophthalmologists”.

In the report, Safdar recommended that the Court direct the involvement of Imran’s personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yusuf, as desired by him during the interview, or such other specialists as it deems appropriate in the circumstances. He also recommended ensuring an uninterrupted and regular supply of Imran’s requested books.

He further recommended that Imran be permitted to meet his blood relatives and to communicate with his sons, and the jail authorities be directed to take immediate and effective measures for mosquito and insect control within Imran’s cell and to provide a refrigerator for food storage.

During the proceedings, the chief justice said that the PTI founder is currently in state custody, adding that all the prisoners, including Khan, should receive equal medical facilities. “We will absolutely not say that the PTI founder should be given preferential facilities compared to other prisoners,” the CJP said, and added; “Everyone should be treated equally.”

He, however, remarked that the issue of petitioner’s (Imran) health is most important, adding “intervention was necessary”. “We want to know the government’s stance on the matter of his (Imran’s) health,” he said

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan affirmed that it was the state’s responsibility to provide medical facilities. “If the prisoner is not satisfied, then the state will take measures,” AGP Awan added. He further said they are ready to provide access to expert eye specialists.

The CJP then noted that the issue of Imran’s “telephone calls with his children is also important”. “We trust the government. The government is in a good mood today,” he remarked. The PTI founder should also be given the facility of telephone contact with his children, the chief justice said.

The CJP observed; “The reports of the friend of the court (Barrister Salman Safdar) and the jail superintendent are identical.”

The bench on February 10 had ordered Barrister Salman Safdar, who was appointed amicus curiae by the chief justice, and the Superintendent, Central Prison, Rawalpindi, to file a report on “living conditions of Imran Khan in the jail”.

Salman Safdar also noted that the PTI founder expressed satisfaction with the protective and security arrangements in jail. It further stated that he was satisfied with the food facilities available to him. However, the report noted that the PTI founder described the medical facilities as unsatisfactory.

Safdar wrote that the area, which Imran Khan uses daytime for walk and exercise, was well-maintained and well-kept, and that approximately four security personnel were deployed in the Cell-Block. He observed that there was some room for improvement for Cell-Block’s kitchen.

The report concludes “that Imran 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.”

The bench reserved judgment on Imran Khan’s petition regarding Toshakhana trial.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026