Three more Adiala jail prisoners have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking relief similar to that granted to jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for treatment at a private hospital. The petitioners included an under-trial murder suspect, Ilyas Khan, Awais Altaf, who is facing a cheque dishonour case, and Muhammad Ismail Khan. The petitioners, through their counsels, requested that they be transferred to Shifa International Hospital or Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital for medical treatment.
IHC Justice Muhammad Asif sought a response from jail authorities by August 27 and directed the superintendent of Adiala jail to submit the prisoners' medical reports. The court further directed the parties to submit para-wise comments before the next hearing. The development came days after the Supreme Court, in its August 18 order, directed authorities to move the former prime minister, who is incarcerated at Adiala jail, to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination.
He was, however, taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead, where doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. Imran has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases that he and his party have termed politically motivated. He has faced multiple legal cases since his removal from office in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote.
The counsel representing prisoner Ilyas told the court that he was recently diagnosed during incarceration with "Hemophilia A, complicated by upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and hypovolemic shock". The lawyer described the condition as serious and potentially life-threatening, and said it was supported by medical investigations. The petition further stated that Ilyas's medical condition requires specialised investigation, gastroenterology consultation, continuous monitoring, and appropriate treatment by qualified specialists - facilities that are not adequately available at the prison hospital.
The counsel requested the court to direct the concerned officials to immediately arrange a comprehensive medical examination of the petitioner by a duly constituted medical board comprising qualified haematology and gastroenterology specialists from Shifa International Hospital and Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital. The board has been sought to assess the petitioner's condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment. The counsel representing the prisoner facing cheque dishonour charges maintained that the petitioner requires specialised rheumatology treatment and related intervention.
Awais's lawyer added that the cardiology assessment showed good left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, with an ejection fraction of 65%. The petitioner has sought treatment at a reputable private hospital capable of providing the required specialised rheumatology and related facilities.