Islamabad: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that PTI founder Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital at the earliest for medical examination and treatment, and ordered the hospital to constitute a medical board.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, heard petitions concerning the PTI founder’s health and meetings with family members in jail.
The court directed that the medical board include a cardiologist, Dr Uzma Khan and Imran Khan’s personal physician. Justice Naeem Afghan remarked that ‘there should be no politics over the PTI founder’s health, ‘ while Justice Shahid Waheed said medical reports should not be used for political purposes.
The court also allowed Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Uzma Khan to remain with Imran Khan and ordered that his family be allowed to meet him once a week.
Counsel Uzair Bhandari requested a comprehensive medical check-up at Shifa International, saying the expenses would be borne privately. The court raised concerns about security and possible disruption to other patients at the hospital.
Justice Shahid Waheed sought the PTI founder’s complete medical record, observing that only a summary had so far been submitted. He directed that the complete record be placed before the court before the next hearing.
The court also sought a complete record of meetings between Imran Khan and his sisters over the past three years, as well as records of telephone conversations with his children. The Advocate General Islamabad told the court that 48 meetings with his sisters had taken place during the period.
Justice Shahid Waheed observed that meeting sisters was a fundamental right and not a favour, and questioned why directions issued by the Islamabad High Court were not being implemented.
The court sought affidavits from the PTI and family members assuring that no media talk would be held after meetings.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who arrived at the Supreme Court, told the media that they had faith in the courts and would seek Imran Khan’s release through legal means.
The hearing was adjourned until September 16.
