IHC orders formation of medical board for Imran Khan at Shifa Hospital

Court directs that Dr. Nadeem Qureshi be kept fully informed about all medical procedures to ensure proper care and transparency

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 12nd , 2026) The Islamabad High Court on Thursday directed the formation of a medical board to assess the health of PTI chairman Imran Khan following his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.

The bench, comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, heard the petition filed on behalf of Khan. Sardar Latif Khosa represented the PTI chief, while Advocate General Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez appeared for the government.

Sardar Latif Khosa informed the court that Khan had been experiencing a severe eye condition in his right eye since October. He added that prison doctors initially considered the condition normal, but as Khan’s vision worsened, he was transferred to Shifa Hospital without notifying his family or legal representatives.

The court allowed Khosa to present arguments and instructed the Advocate General to review all medical records and previous decisions regarding the matter. Khosa cited jail regulations and prior rulings, emphasizing that Imran Khan’s health and safety require immediate attention.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir inquired about the relief previously granted to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to which Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat responded that it was a writ petition. Justice Tahir added that legal procedures would determine the outcome and asked what recourse is available if the prisoner remains dissatisfied. The Advocate General clarified that medical officers’ approval is decisive in such cases.

The bench remarked that treatment is ongoing and may continue at Shifa Hospital, and personal physicians should be allowed access. Justice Tahir acknowledged Dr. Nadeem Qureshi as a leading retina specialist.

Aleema Khan, representing the petitioner, claimed that officials were not providing accurate updates. The court directed that Dr. Nadeem Qureshi be kept fully informed about all medical procedures to ensure proper care and transparency.

The order emphasizes the need for thorough and transparent medical treatment for Imran Khan while maintaining oversight by both government authorities and independent medical experts.