The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has handed over a list of six lawyers to the authorities at Adiala jail for a scheduled meeting with party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, on Tuesday.
The list includes PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, Niazullah Niazi, Naeem Panjutha, and Fatehullah Barqi. These lawyers are expected to visit Adiala jail to meet with the former prime minister. Additionally, Imran Khan’s sisters are also anticipated to visit the prison on the same day to see him, while members of Bushra Bibi’s family are expected to meet her there.
In a significant development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan stated that the Supreme Court (SC) registrar assured them that a contempt petition regarding the alleged denial of medical treatment to Imran Khan at a private hospital would be promptly placed before the chief justice for an early hearing. Barrister Gohar and senior lawyer Latif Khosa had initially sought a meeting with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, but he was unavailable.
Instead, they met with the SC registrar, who confirmed that the petition would be numbered on Monday and a note would be sent to the chief justice to schedule the hearing. Barrister Gohar mentioned that the case might be heard via video link if required and expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would address the matter soon.
Regarding Khan’s medical situation, Barrister Gohar clarified that the former prime minister did not wish to stay in the hospital longer than necessary and only wanted to undergo essential medical tests. He dismissed rumors suggesting Khan was seeking any deal, emphasizing that Khan does not engage in negotiations, noting, “If he wanted to make a deal, he would not have spent three years in prison.”
Latif Khosa added that the Supreme Court has previously conducted urgent hearings at midnight and similar arrangements could be made for Khan’s case. He noted that the registrar informed them about one of the judges being in Lahore and that the case could be handled via video link or by having a judge travel to Islamabad if needed.
This meeting with the registrar took place amid ongoing efforts to secure an early hearing of the petition concerning Khan’s medical treatment and access to specialist care. Khan was returned to prison early Friday after doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) examined him and declared him medically fit. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that a team of qualified doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology, and general medicine, conducted the examination. Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, was present throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the minister accused PTI of spreading propaganda and misrepresenting the situation, insisting that the decision not to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital was due to security concerns caused by PTI supporters. This followed a Supreme Court order on Tuesday mandating that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours for a medical examination after concerns were raised about his health. However, Khan was instead taken to PIMS.
The Supreme Court also ordered that Khan be allowed to meet his family. On Tuesday night, his sister Noreen Khan visited him in prison, while Dr. Uzma accompanied him to the hospital. Khan’s legal team maintains that he suffers from multiple health issues, including deteriorating eyesight, and has been denied access to specialist treatment. The Supreme Court directed that an eye specialist be involved in his medical care.
Imran Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions in corruption cases, which he and PTI claim are politically motivated. He faces over 100 cases, including allegations related to state secrets and the sale of state gifts. Both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year.
