Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly met his wife, Bushra Bibi, and his sister, Noreen Niazi, at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, marking their first meeting in nine months. The reunion came a day after Pakistan's Supreme Court directed authorities to transfer Khan from prison to a hospital due to health concerns.
Khan's Prison Meetings and Health Order
According to jail sources cited by the Express Tribune, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had a 15-minute meeting with Noreen and a longer 30-35 minute meeting with Bushra Bibi. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions in a series of cases, which he claims are politically motivated.
The Supreme Court's order mandates Khan's transfer to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours, where he is to remain until September 16. His spokesperson, Naeem Haider Panjutha, confirmed the court's directive.
Family's Efforts and Court's Stipulations
Noreen Niazi, who was initially stopped by police at the Dahgal checkpoint leading to the jail along with her sisters Aleema and Uzma Khan, was eventually permitted to proceed. During her meeting, Noreen briefed Khan on the Supreme Court’s order and discussed his health and ongoing legal matters. She later confirmed the meeting but declined to speak to reporters.
The court's decision followed persistent demands from Khan’s family and party for medical attention. Concerns about his deteriorating health, including significant vision loss in his right eye, had been raised by his son and lawyers. The order also allows Khan’s personal physician, Faisal Sultan, and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, to be involved in his medical examination and treatment.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court stipulated that Khan would be permitted to meet his family once a week and speak to his sons by telephone twice weekly. It also cautioned against public gatherings at the hospital and the political exploitation of information regarding his health, setting the next hearing for September 16.
Government to Challenge Supreme Court Ruling
In response to the Supreme Court's directive, the Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced its intention to challenge the order. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated in a video message that the order was “not within the four walls of the law” and that the government would seek a review.
Tarar indicated that the government would request Khan be treated either in jail or at a public hospital, arguing that arrangements at a private hospital are typically reserved for cases where government facilities are demonstrably inadequate. This move signals a continuing legal and political battle over Khan's detention and medical care.
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the Supreme Court's order, expressing regret that it hadn't come sooner to prevent Khan's health from deteriorating. He emphasized that Khan should remain in the hospital until doctors are fully satisfied with his condition.