The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that PTI founder Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for several days of medical treatment, while also directing authorities to facilitate weekly meetings between the former prime minister and his family.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed issued the directions while hearing cases concerning Imran’s access to his family, personal doctors and medical records.
The decision follows a medical board report submitted to the court on Monday that raised concerns about Imran’s fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety. The report recommended more frequent interaction with his wife and immediate family as a way of reducing psychological stress.
The court directed authorities to allow Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, to examine him and ordered the formation of a medical board comprising an eye specialist, a general physician and Dr Sultan. His sister, Dr Uzma, was also granted access to him.
The bench ruled that Imran’s family would bear the expenses of his treatment at the hospital.
Concerns over his health had previously reached the Supreme Court in February, when a report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar said Imran had complained that his right eye was functioning at only 15% capacity. The court subsequently ordered that his personal physicians be permitted to see him in Adiala Jail.
Tuesday’s order also imposed strict conditions regarding the confidentiality of Imran’s medical information. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan directed that his medical reports not be released to the media, with PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja assuring the court that they would remain confidential.
The court further prohibited political activities, media appearances and press conferences outside the hospital during Imran’s treatment.
Justice Afghan stressed that the hospital’s other patients should not be inconvenienced, telling those involved: “Do not engage in politics outside the hospital.”