Islamabad, Pakistan — The Islamabad High Court reserved its verdict on March 11, 2026, on a petition seeking the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for specialized eye treatment. A division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard detailed arguments from both sides amid growing concerns over the former prime minister’s deteriorating vision.
Defence lawyers claimed Imran Khan has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye and that jail authorities delayed proper care for months. The court expressed deep concern over the right to life and health, questioning the government on its responsibility if the situation worsens. The verdict is expected shortly, with the bench emphasizing that timely medical intervention remains a top priority in the sensitive case.
عمران خان کو شفا ہسپتال منتقل کرنے کی درخواست مسترد کردی گئی۔۔۔میڈیکل بورڈ ہسپتال منتقل کرنے کا فیصلہ کریگا۔۔۔اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ کا حکم
— Fahim Akhtar Malik (@writetofahim) March 12, 2026
Key Highlights
- IHC bench reserves verdict on plea for Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
- Defence argues only 15 percent vision remains in right eye after months of complaints.
- Court questions government responsibility and stresses right to life is supreme.
- Lawyers highlight restricted access to client and delayed medical care.
- Government defends medical board and insists treatment is being provided under jail rules.
Defence Highlights Access Issues and Health Concerns
Senior counsel Sardar Latif Khosa opened the arguments by detailing the long struggle to obtain a power of attorney from Imran Khan. He told the court that access to the incarcerated leader had been severely restricted for four months, calling it a violation of fundamental rights. Khosa noted that Imran Khan first complained of retinal problems in October, yet jail doctors treated it as routine. The family and party have repeatedly raised alarms about the former prime minister’s eye condition, including right central retinal vein occlusion, which has led to significant vision loss.
Barrister Salman Safdar supported these claims, pointing out that the appeals have been pending for 14 months. Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan also addressed the court briefly, expressing distrust in the jail’s medical facilities and questioning why personal physicians are denied access to medical reports. The defence demanded that Imran Khan be examined at Shifa Hospital by doctors of his choice, even for a few hours, to ensure proper care.
Imran Khan’s family has petitioned IHC to move him to Shifa Int Hosp for treatment to his deteriorating eye health.
To also allow personal doctors and let family visit.
Dr Uzma Khan completed biometric verification in court. #UrgentMedicalAidForKhan
pic.twitter.com/s8W63YO67W— Saffina Ellahi (@SaffinaEllahi1) March 6, 2026
Government Defends Medical Board and Treatment Process
The Advocate General and Additional Attorney General defended the government’s position. They informed the court that a high-level medical board, including retina specialist Dr. Nadeem Qureshi from Shifa Eye Hospital, was formed following Supreme Court observations. The prosecution argued that the plea for sentence suspension was premature since the main appeals have not yet been formally admitted. When the bench pressed on who would take responsibility if something happened to Imran Khan, the Advocate General affirmed that the government would bear full accountability.
The court observed that while jail rules exist, the right to life remains supreme. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir noted that the matter is already under consideration by the Supreme Court regarding health issues, making it sub judice. The bench criticized the absence of NAB’s special prosecutor and ultimately imposed a fine earlier in related proceedings, showing frustration over perceived delays.
Court Stresses Urgency and Right to Life
Throughout the hearing, the judges repeatedly underlined the sensitivity of the case. Justice Arbab remarked that the court had been hearing the matter on a day-to-day basis because any loss of life would be irreparable. The defence cited previous rulings by former chief justices on prisoners’ rights, pressing for an early decision before the Eid holidays.
The plea was originally filed under Section 561-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, seeking immediate transfer to Shifa Hospital and access for personal doctors. It references a report submitted to the Supreme Court confirming that, despite repeated complaints of blurred vision, adequate intervention was delayed.
You May Like To Read: PPP Slams Government Over ‘Unjust’ Rs 55 Petrol Price Hike
The Islamabad High Court’s careful handling of this petition reflects Pakistan’s strong judicial tradition of balancing legal procedures with humanitarian considerations. The reserved verdict is now awaited with keen interest across the country. Families and political observers hope the decision will prioritize health and justice while upholding the rule of law. The government and defence teams are expected to present further arguments as the court moves toward a final ruling in the coming days. Pakistan’s institutions continue to demonstrate maturity in addressing such sensitive matters, ensuring that every citizen receives fair treatment under the law.
Check out our latest video:
