Supreme Court Orders Medical Team for Imran Khan’s Eye Exam, Directs Phone Call With Sons, The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Thursday took suo motu notice of former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical condition and issued a series of urgent directives, including the formation of an independent medical team to examine his eyes and ensuring he receives a phone call with his children.
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A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi gave detailed instructions to relevant authorities following concerns over Imran’s health while in custody at Adiala Jail. The court’s orders came during a hearing on petitions related to his detention and rights.
Medical Examination Ordered
The SC directed the formation of a neutral medical board — comprising specialists in ophthalmology, general medicine and neurology — to conduct a comprehensive eye examination of Imran Khan. This team is to be constituted within 72 hours, and its findings are to be submitted to the court without delay. The bench emphasised that the former prime minister’s right to health and medical care must be upheld without prejudice.
Concerns were raised in court by senior counsel that Imran had been experiencing vision issues, prompting the scrutiny and the SC’s insistence on prompt examination. The court stressed that appropriate medical care is fundamental, regardless of an individual’s custodial status.
Phone Call With Sons Directed
In a significant move aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns, the SC also ordered prison authorities to ensure that Imran Khan is given the opportunity to speak on the phone with his two sons. The court reasoned that access to family contact — especially during imprisonment — is a basic right and should not be withheld.
SC’s Broader Stance on Prisoner Rights
While hearing the case, the bench reiterated that custodial health rights and humane treatment are non-negotiable, even as legal disputes over confinement continue. The court made it clear that prison officials are not above the law in denying necessary contact or medical access.
This development follows ongoing judicial scrutiny over Imran’s detention and related petitions challenging various aspects of his legal and custodial treatment. Multiple pending cases before the SC address issues such as his right to meetings with lawyers, health safeguards, and procedural fairness.
