Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, has raised concerns about Bushra’s deteriorating eyesight before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). In an affidavit submitted in the £190 million case, he described her eye condition as extremely vulnerable following a meeting with the incarcerated couple at Adiala Jail.
Safdar stated that jail authorities informed him on October 31 that his meeting with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had been scheduled for November 2 at 3:30pm. However, the meeting began at 4pm and lasted approximately 40 minutes.
According to the affidavit, Bushra was wearing unusually dark glasses during the meeting. At the request of Safdar and Imran Khan, she removed them, after which the lawyer observed signs of considerable discomfort. He said she appeared unable to open her eyes comfortably without the glasses and could not tolerate natural sunlight or artificial lighting.
Safdar further stated that Bushra told them doctors had diagnosed her with a mature cataract. She was reportedly informed that another eye operation might be required around November 15. The lawyer also said Imran appeared concerned about his wife’s worsening eyesight.
The affidavit highlighted Bushra’s concerns about cleanliness inside the jail and the medical care being provided to her. According to Safdar, she requested that her medical examination and treatment be conducted by doctors of her own choice. He assured her that he would raise these concerns before the court.
Separately, Bushra Bibi has filed a miscellaneous application in the £190 million case, seeking the production of her complete medical record before the court. Through the application, she has requested directions for Adiala Jail authorities to provide a comprehensive report containing details of her diagnosis, medical examinations and treatment.
The application also seeks an immediate examination by an eye specialist and consultation with the jail’s medical officer. Bushra has requested permission to receive treatment from a specialist of her choice at her own expense, stating that her eyesight is deteriorating and requires urgent medical attention. The application was submitted through Barrister Salman Safdar and lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.
Safdar’s latest meeting with the incarcerated couple came after several months. He had previously met Imran Khan on April 9 after receiving permission from the IHC to discuss proceedings in the £190 million case, but was not allowed to meet Bushra during that visit.
Following the April meeting, Safdar had also raised concerns about the couple’s prison conditions, claiming they were kept in solitary confinement for almost 24 hours a day and had limited access to books, television, family members and lawyers.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s medical treatment has also been the subject of proceedings before the Supreme Court. On August 18, while hearing petitions concerning his medical care and access to family members and lawyers, the apex court directed authorities to transfer him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for examination and treatment.
On the same day, Imran’s sister Noreen Niazi met him at Adiala Jail after approximately nine months. The meeting lasted around 15 minutes. However, on August 20, Imran was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad instead of Shifa International Hospital. He underwent a medical examination there and was subsequently declared medically fit before being returned to Adiala Jail.
