ATC Denies Imran Khan’s Request for Examination by Personal Doctors

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, seeking permission for a medical examination by his personal physicians.

Announcing the reserved verdict, Judge Amjad Shah stated that Imran Khan is receiving proper medical care in line with jail regulations. The court issued a brief order, maintaining that treatment is ongoing as per established rules.

During the hearing, the defence requested that Khan be examined by Dr Asim, Dr Khurram, and Dr Samina, arguing that access to personal doctors is a constitutional, legal, and moral right. The counsel also cited precedent, noting that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had been allowed treatment by physicians of his choice.

Referring to Jail Rule 795, the defence maintained that jail authorities are required to keep an inmate’s family informed of all medical examinations. Emphasising Khan’s status as a former premier, the counsel argued that the request fell under his fundamental rights.

Following the verdict, Khan’s lawyer Faisal Malik told the media that the superintendent of Adiala Jail did not submit a formal medical report, but confirmed that the PTI founder’s treatment was continuing.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tensions between PTI and the federal government over Khan’s health. The controversy intensified after reports surfaced that Khan had been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for eye treatment without prior intimation to his family or legal team.

PIMS later confirmed that Khan was administered an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection for a right central retinal vein occlusion after obtaining his consent. PTI rejected the hospital’s account, demanding that Khan be treated at Shaukat Khanum Hospital and that his family be granted access.

PTI leaders also staged a day-long sit-in outside the Supreme Court, securing assurances that Khan’s medical reports would be shared with his family. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja subsequently met Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa Afridi, where authorities pledged to provide the reports to Khan and his sisters and to allow access to his personal physicians once the documentation was reviewed.