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RAWALPINDI: In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) dismissed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s plea for a medical examination by his personal physicians. The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who ruled that Khan is currently under trial and not in custody following the 2019 GHQ attack.
Khan’s counsel Faisal Malik argued his client’s case before the court, while Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah represented the prosecution team. During proceedings, the prosecutor asserted that Section 58 of the Pakistan Prison Rules does not permit treatment by private doctors for under-trial accused, such as Khan in this case.
The ATC judge’s ruling stemmed from concerns over Khan’s health, which had been raised following his diagnosis with a blockage in a vein of his right eye. Medical experts recommended detailed medical evaluation and monitoring to ensure the condition is managed appropriately. A separate development was announced by the Supreme Court, setting dates for hearing 13 cases involving Imran Khan’s founder, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
These cases include appeals from the Punjab government against Khan’s recent bail, as well as an appeal related to his bail granted to Bushra Bibi. The ATC will also address Khan’s appeal against a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The court is scheduled to hear more contentious issues, such as appeals against the official secret and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references. Additionally, an appeal by NAB challenging Khan’s bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case has been set for hearing. The ATC will also address appeals against the acquittal of both Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi concerning the cipher case.
Appeals filed by Khan against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a defamation case are on the docket as well. All relevant parties have received notice to prepare their cases for these hearings, which are set to begin on February 9.
The ATC’s decision underscores ongoing scrutiny of Khan’s legal and health circumstances amid his continued political engagement, including both official appeals and personal medical consultations he seeks.