ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday sought a report from the Adiala Jail superintendent on a petition seeking medical examination of jailed founder of PTI Imran Khan by his personal physician.

IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb took up the petition seeking regular check-up and other facilities for the former prime minister.

During the hearing, his counsel argued for the need to allow the personal physician to conduct a medical check-up, citing concerns about Mr Khan’s health.

The court summoned a representative from the advocate general’s office to present the state’s stance on the matter.

ECP questions PTA over internet issues in Adiala jail

The state counsel informed the court that the PTI founder was already being examined by a doctor three times a day, with the latest check-up conducted by a medical board from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on October 15.

Despite this, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the state’s objection to the involvement of Mr Khan’s personal doctor, asking, “What does it matter to you people? What is the issue?”

Later, the hearing was adjourned till Wednesday for further proceedings.

The same court also heard a petition seeking post-arrest bail of Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case related to Bulgari Jewelry set.

During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar, the counsel of the petitioner, emphasised that it had been 12 days since Ms Bibi’s bail plea was last heard.

Addressing the delay, Justice Aurangzeb explained that his illness had caused the postponement of the previous hearing.

Barrister Safdar argued that Ms Bibi, a housewife and not a public office holder, has been incarcerated for 264 days since her arrest on July 13.

The counsel pointed out that despite the case being three years old, there no criminal charges were brought against her until recently. FIA prosecutors opposed the bail application, arguing that the rules governing the submission of gifts had not been followed.

Further hearing in the case was adjourned till Wednesday.

ECP seeks report from PTA

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) over persistent internet service problem at Adiala jail hindering the appearance of Mr Khan through a video link to record evidence in contempt of Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP against him.

During the hearing, the jail authorities once again told the ECP bench that the internet link of the prison was down.

Shoaib Shaheen, who was representing Mr Khan, requested the ECP to allow a meeting between the PTI leader and his legal team, but the commission responded that it was beyond their mandate.

Another member of Mr Khan’s legal team, Faisal Chaudhry, expressed concern over Mr Khan’s health suggesting the ECP to visit the jail, as the internet issue might not be resolved soon.

The ECP assured them that the matter would be addressed. Later, the case was adjourned the hearing till Nov 5.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024