Former Prime Minister and Imran Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking suspension of his sentence in the Toshakhana-2 case and bail on medical and humanitarian grounds. The application, filed through Barristers Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja, highlights the 73-year-old’s serious health concerns that cannot be treated within the prison.
Medical Complications
The petition states that Imran Khan has suffered a blood clot in his right eye, leaving him with only 15% vision. The application emphasizes the severity of the condition, asserting that prison facilities are inadequate for the required treatment.
“…the Petitioner has [an] exceptionally strong case for the suspension of the sentence on merits of the case as well as on medical grounds that recently surfaced during a hearing before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan,” the plea reads.
Allegations of Political Victimization
The plea also frames the Toshakhana-2 conviction as part of an ongoing campaign of political persecution. It alleges that Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, have faced multiple prosecutions since his removal from office, claiming a “relentless and targeted pattern of legal action.”
The application further contends that investigative agencies—including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)—have been used as tools by political opponents to pursue motivated cases against him.
Imran Khan Says Vision in Right Eye Reduced to 15%, Report Submitted to Supreme Court
Background of Toshakhana-2 Case
The Toshakhana-2 case originated from the acquisition of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a nominal price. NAB initiated the investigation and arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in July 2024. After 37 days in NAB custody at Adiala Jail, the couple faced an accountability court reference in August 2024.
Following 80 hearings, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand convicted the couple on multiple counts. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 10 years each under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional seven years under section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) 1947. The couple was also fined Rs16.4 million. The court noted Imran’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender while passing the sentences.
Court Proceedings
Alongside the Toshakhana-2 plea, Imran’s legal team has also requested an expedited hearing in the high-profile Al-Qadir Trust case, commonly referred to as the £190 million scam. The applications emphasize both the medical urgency and the legal merits of suspending the sentences, seeking relief on grounds of health, humanitarian considerations, and procedural fairness.
The IHC is expected to review the applications in light of both the medical condition and the broader legal arguments presented by the former prime minister’s counsel.
