ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been informed that Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, intends to adhere strictly to the rule of law and will not entertain any requests for extraordinary relief that fall outside the established judicial framework. This firm stance was conveyed during a recent meeting between the Chief Justice and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Following their discussion on Friday, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan briefed senior members of the PTI about the Chief Justice’s position. The CJP made it unequivocally clear that he would proceed strictly “by the book,” emphasizing the importance of following due process. He further advised that any legal petitions related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s medical condition should be submitted through the appropriate judicial forum rather than seeking direct intervention from the Supreme Court.
It is important to note that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had sought expedited relief from the Supreme Court, bypassing the Islamabad High Court where the matter was already pending. The PTI’s request included transferring Imran Khan to a hospital of their choice in Islamabad and permitting his personal doctors to examine him while he remains in custody. This move was aimed at ensuring that Khan receives specialized medical attention under the supervision of his trusted medical team.
On the same day as the meeting, the Supreme Court returned a petition filed by PTI, which sought the transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for specialized eye treatment by retina experts. This petition was initially filed on February 25 by Khan’s legal counsel, Sardar Latif Khosa, under Order XXXV Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2025. The application requested immediate transfer for proper examination and treatment of Khan’s eye condition, along with permission for his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf, to be present and involved in all medical procedures.
Additionally, the petition sought assurances that Khan’s family members would be kept informed and allowed reasonable access during his medical check-ups and treatment sessions. However, the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the petition, citing procedural objections. The office referenced an earlier Supreme Court order dated February 12, which directed that any grievances should be addressed through the Islamabad High Court, where the appeal is currently under consideration.
This development highlights the judiciary’s insistence on following proper legal channels and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. It also underscores the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the medical treatment and custody conditions of the former prime minister. The PTI leadership appears determined to continue pursuing all available legal avenues to ensure that Imran Khan receives appropriate medical care while respecting the court’s directives.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Islamabad High Court, where the matter is now expected to be adjudicated. The judiciary’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the importance of procedural compliance in high-profile cases, particularly those involving prominent political figures. Meanwhile, the PTI continues to rally support and strategize its next legal steps in this sensitive and closely watched case.
