In the latest development in the case of 'mentally ill' death row convict Imdad Ali, the Supreme Court formed a medical board to examine Ali's mental health.

The board is to be headed by Maj Gen Salim Jehangir and submit an examination report within the next two weeks.

Death row prisoner, Imdad Ali, who is around 50 years old, was sentenced to death for the murder of a religious teacher in 2002.

His lawyers maintain Ali is unfit to be executed as he is unable to understand his crime and punishment, and that doing so would violate Pakistan's obligations under a United Nations treaty, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Earlier in the week, the SC accepted a plea for formation of a medical board to assess the convict's mental health and ordered the advocate general Punjab to provide the names of five mental health specialists.

Justice Ijazul Hassan said, "If the board confirms that Imdad's Ali's mental health is weak, a suitable decision will be made."

Justice Ameer Hani maintained, "The review will not end his punishment. He will be brought to the gallows when his health improves."

The case was adjourned.