Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Barrister Salman Safdar, has requested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to consider his client’s release on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, citing his prolonged solitary confinement and an eye infection. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and comprising Justice Muhammad Asif on Thursday heard the appeals of Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi against their convictions in the £190 million case. Barrister Salman also requested the court to summon the Punjab Inspector General of Prisons, Mian Farooq Nazir, and authorities from Shifa International Hospital, along with their complete medical records. Imran’s lawyer informed the court that he was grateful for the permission granted on April 8 to meet his client, but noted that proceedings had been delayed on April 9 due to peace talks. He also stated that despite requests, he was not allowed to meet Bushra Bibi, adding that his last meeting with Bushra Bibi was in December 2025. Raising concerns about health and detention conditions, Salman told the court that Imran Khan’s eyesight has been reduced to 15 percent, with 85 percent of his vision lost. He added that the damage to his eye appeared to be permanent. Salman questioned the conditions in which his clients were being held, stated that one issue is the eye problem, and the second is why they are being kept in solitary confinement. He mentioned that Imran had informed him that he could not see properly from one eye and that doctors had reportedly told him the condition was irreversible. The lawyer pointed out that Imran had been transferred to the hospital multiple times and that such treatment was not possible at Adiala Jail. He added that it has now escalated to the point where they are calling for the IG Prisons, the superintendent, and the deputy superintendent to be summoned. He also requested the court to order the hospital to provide complete medical records. Salman argued that he had reviewed the judgment 17 times and found no mention of solitary confinement. He further stated that keeping someone in solitary confinement for a prolonged period is torture.He added that Bushra Bibi was also affected in the case, noting, “She was arrested at the time of the judgment.” The IHC CJ asked Salman Safdar why he was not focusing on the main appeal. He explained that the court would dispose of the main appeal as soon as possible. The CJ added that appeals were being heard regularly and could be decided quickly if arguments were scheduled. However, Safdar insisted that the suspension applications should be decided first. The court also discussed procedural matters, including the availability of power of attorney documents. The CJ remarked on the hearing schedule flexibility, stating that the court could hear appeals within days if arguments were scheduled. Salman then asked the court to call the Punjab Prisons IG and the hospital authorities, along with the complete medical record. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Go to News Site