Rawalpindi ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah turns down Imran Khan’s request for medical check-up by personal doctors
RAWALPINDI ( WEB NEWS )
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday rejected a request to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan access to his personal doctors for a medical examination in prison.
The hearing on May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case was conducted by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, with Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Malik representing the former prime minister in court. Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah appeared on behalf of the prosecution and opposed the request.
The plea sought permission for Imran Khan to be examined by his personal physicians, including Dr. Asim, Dr. Khurram and Dr. Samina.
Zaheer told the court that Imran Khan, who is currently on bail in the GHQ attack case, is an under-trial prisoner and not a convicted inmate. He added that the criminal court does not have the authority to regulate the custody of a suspect on bail.
The defense maintained that medical examination by personal doctors is Imran Khan’s constitutional, legal and moral right, citing past precedents where former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was allowed access to personal physicians.
It was also argued that jail rules require authorities to inform family members about medical matters.
Faisal Malik stated that Imran Khan is a former prime minister and national leader, and that proper medical care is his fundamental right.
He added that the Adiala Jail superintendent did not submit a medical report, only informing the court that treatment was ongoing.
The prosecutor also noted that under Pakistan Prison Rules, personal doctors are not designated for any prisoner and that private medical care is not provided under the existing legal framework.
Announcing the reserved verdict, the court ruled that under jail rules, Imran Khan is receiving proper medical treatment, and therefore dismissed the request for treatment by personal doctors.