ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has appointed February 18 as the date for hearing six cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan.
Additionally, cases involving Bushra Bibi and Shah Mahmood Qureshi have also been scheduled for the same day, with one case each.
A three-judge panel, led by Justice Muhammad Hashim Kakar, will oversee the proceedings. The bench will also include Justices Salahuddin Panhwar and Ishtiaq Ibrahim.
The cases to be heard on February 18 encompass appeals contesting the Islamabad High Court’s decision to suspend Imran Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana criminal case, as well as appeals by the Punjab government challenging PTI leader’s bail. Other appeals include the acquittal of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the “internal interference” case, as well as bail petitions related to the May 9 Lahore incidents. Additionally, Imran Khan’s defamation appeals against Shehbaz Sharif will also be considered.
This bench was constituted based on directives from Chief Justice Yahya Afridi issued on February 9, to handle these cases collectively.
Update on Imran Khan’s Health: Salman Safdar’s Report
In a related development, Barrister Salman Safdar submitted a detailed health report on Imran Khan to the Supreme Court, which was made public. The report recommended prompt eye examinations for the PTI leader.
According to the report, Imran Khan requested evaluations by Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yousuf. The report further suggested that an expert ophthalmologist should examine his eyes.
It was noted that the PTI chief’s eyesight had been deteriorating, compounded by his solitary confinement and limited access to entertainment such as television. The report detailed that his treatment began after he suddenly lost sight in his right eye, which he could see only up to 10-15 percent.
The report criticized jail authorities for neglecting his eye health issues over the past three months, despite multiple complaints. It indicated that three to four months earlier, his eyesight was normal, but he later experienced blurred vision, prompting repeated complaints to jail officials, who reportedly ignored his concerns. As a result, his right eye’s sight was completely lost.
Following examinations by PIMS ophthalmologist Dr. Muhammad Arif, it was confirmed that his right eye’s vision was limited to just 15 percent.
The Supreme Court had previously ordered arrangements for Salman Safdar to meet Imran Khan in jail. Safdar was granted permission to visit the PTI leader as a ‘friend of the court’ and was designated as a judicial representative and commissioner. The court directed that Safdar’s visit should be smooth, without delays or obstructions. In case of any issues, he was instructed to contact the Chief Justice’s staff immediately.
