The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that PTI founder Imran Khan be provided access to eye specialists and allowed telephonic contact with his sons, Qasim and Suleman, with both steps mandated to be completed by February 16.

The court emphasised that health concerns and family communication are top priorities while ensuring equal treatment for all prisoners.

Report highlights health concerns

A report by Barrister Salman Safdar, acting as amicus curiae (friend of the court), revealed that Imran Khan’s vision in both eyes was normal until October 2025. After October, the PTI founder began experiencing continuous blurring of vision, repeatedly informing jail authorities.

According to the report, the jail authorities did not take timely action, leading to a sudden and complete loss of vision in the right eye.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Arif from PIMS Hospital was called for an examination, and a blood clot was diagnosed as the cause. Despite injections and treatment, the vision in the right eye remains at only 15%.

During the meeting, Khan appeared visibly worried about delayed medical care. He was also observed repeatedly cleaning water from his eyes. The report further noted that he has not met with his lawyers for five months.

SC directives for medical examination

A two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, reviewed the reports from Safdar and the jail superintendent.

Both reports recommended that Imran Khan receive immediate eye treatment and be allowed telephonic communication with his children. The court noted that while Khan described jail security and food arrangements as satisfactory, he found the medical facilities unsatisfactory and requested access to ophthalmologists.

Chief Justice Afridi stressed the importance of prisoner health, clarifying that the state is responsible for providing necessary medical care to all inmates. “We will never say that he should receive more facilities than others; everyone should be treated equally,” he added.

Government assurances

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the court that the government was ready to provide access to specialist doctors. He emphasized that if any prisoner is dissatisfied with medical care, the state will take appropriate measures.

The Supreme Court directed the formation of a team of expert doctors to examine Imran Khan’s eyes, with the process to be completed before February 16. However, the request to allow a family member to be present during the medical check-up was rejected.

Telephonic communication and books

The CJP highlighted the importance of maintaining family contact for the PTI founder. He expressed confidence that the government would facilitate telephonic calls with Khan’s sons, describing the matter as a priority.

During the hearing, a request was also made to provide books for study. Attorney General Awan stated that books would be provided based on the advice of eye specialists, who would determine whether reading was suitable given Khan’s eye condition.