Khosa writes to CJP over Imran's 'secret' medical checkup at Adiala Jail

ISLAMABAD: Senior PTI leader Latif Khosa on Monday wrote to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, expressing concern over what he described as a “secret” medical examination of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on February 15.

A medical team examined the PTI founder following directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which had ordered that he be assessed before February 16 after being informed that only 15 per cent vision remained in his right eye. However, PTI rejected the check-up, alleging it was conducted without informing his family or personal physicians.

In his letter, Khosa—identifying himself as counsel for Imran in the Toshakhana case—said the medical examination conducted “in secrecy, without notice to the family or independent doctors” had raised serious apprehensions.

He wrote that the continued exclusion of Imran’s family and personal medical practitioners from information regarding his health had created doubts and unrest among his relatives and supporters.

Khosa highlighted that Imran, 73, was of advancing age and facing declining health, making transparency essential. He said public concern over the wellbeing of a widely supported political leader was “natural and unavoidable."

The letter recalled that the Supreme Court had appointed Barrister Salman Safdar as amicus curiae on February 10 and directed him to visit Imran in jail and submit a report on his health and living conditions. Safdar later filed a report stating that Imran had been left with approximately 15pc vision in his right eye and had allegedly not received timely or adequate medical intervention.

Describing the findings as alarming, Khosa said Sunday’s medical examination at Adiala Jail was conducted without prior notice to the family, personal doctors or legal representatives. He rejected claims that the family had been informed but chose not to attend, terming such assertions “wholly incorrect”.

According to Khosa, Imran had repeatedly sought access to his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf, for independent examination and treatment of his deteriorating eyesight, but such access was not granted.

The letter further stated that Imran, who has been in custody since August 5, 2023—initially at Attock District Jail and later at Adiala Jail—had been denied meetings with family members for the past four to five months.

Khosa requested the chief justice to direct authorities to provide an attested copy of the medical report from the February 15 examination, allow immediate access to Imran’s personal doctors, and consider shifting him to Al-Shifa Hospital for specialised treatment. He also sought directives ensuring that his family be informed and granted reasonable access regarding his medical condition.

Concerns about Imran’s health intensified after he underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on January 24.

A medical report dated February 6, signed by PIMS Executive Director Prof Dr Rana Imran Sikander and submitted to the jail administration, stated that a qualified ophthalmologist had diagnosed him with right central retinal vein occlusion following an assessment at Adiala Jail.

The matter remains under judicial consideration.