ISLAMABAD: Three more prisoners at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking permission to receive medical treatment at private hospitals, following a recent Supreme Court order concerning jailed former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The prisoners — under-trial murder suspect Ilyas Khan, Awais Altaf, who is facing a cheque dishonour case, and Muhammad Ismail Khan — have asked the court to allow their transfer to either Shifa International Hospital or Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital for specialised medical care.
IHC Justice Muhammad Asif heard the matter and directed the Adiala jail authorities to submit the prisoners’ medical reports. The court has sought a response by August 27 and ordered the parties to submit para-wise comments before the next hearing.
Prisoner Cites Serious Medical Condition
During the proceedings, the counsel for Ilyas Khan told the court that his client had recently been diagnosed while in custody with Haemophilia A, along with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypovolemic shock.
The lawyer described the condition as serious and potentially life-threatening, saying that the diagnosis was supported by medical investigations.
According to the petition, Ilyas requires specialised medical assessment, gastroenterology consultation, continuous monitoring and treatment by qualified specialists.
His counsel argued that these facilities are not adequately available at the prison hospital and therefore requested that authorities arrange a comprehensive medical examination outside the jail.
The petition specifically seeks the formation of a medical board comprising qualified haematology and gastroenterology specialists from Shifa International Hospital and Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital.
The proposed medical board would assess Ilyas’s condition and determine what treatment should be provided.
Another Prisoner Seeks Rheumatology Treatment
Awais Altaf, who is facing a cheque dishonour case, has also requested specialised medical treatment at a private hospital.
His lawyer told the court that the prisoner requires rheumatology treatment and related medical intervention that may not be adequately available at the prison facility.
The petition also referred to his cardiac assessment, stating that it showed good left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, with an ejection fraction of 65%.
Based on the medical requirements cited in the petition, Awais has asked the court to allow treatment at a reputable private hospital with the necessary specialised facilities.
The third petitioner, Muhammad Ismail Khan, has also joined the legal challenge seeking access to treatment outside the jail.
PTI’s Decision to Omit Interior Minister from Imran Khan Contempt Plea Sparks Debate
Pleas Follow Supreme Court Order on Imran Khan
The latest petitions come shortly after the Supreme Court issued an order concerning Imran Khan’s medical examination.
In its August 18 order, the Supreme Court directed authorities to move the former prime minister, who is incarcerated at Adiala jail, to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination.
However, Imran was subsequently taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad instead. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present at PIMS during the examination.
The development has now prompted other prisoners to seek similar medical relief through the courts.
Imran Khan Has Been in Prison Since 2023
Imran Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He and his party have repeatedly described the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated.
The former prime minister has faced multiple cases since his removal from office in April 2022, when he lost a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.
His imprisonment and legal battles have remained a major political issue in Pakistan, while courts have continued to hear petitions concerning his detention, legal proceedings and medical treatment.
Court to Review Prisoners’ Medical Reports
The Islamabad High Court’s latest order does not yet grant the prisoners permission to receive treatment at the requested private hospitals. Instead, the court has sought medical records and responses from the jail authorities before proceeding further.
The Adiala jail superintendent has been directed to submit the relevant medical reports, while the respondents must provide para-wise comments ahead of the next hearing.
The court’s assessment is expected to focus on the medical needs of the three prisoners and whether the facilities available inside the jail are sufficient to address their reported conditions.
The case highlights the broader legal questions surrounding access to specialised medical care for prisoners, particularly when treatment requires facilities or specialists that may not be available within a prison hospital.
