In a significant legal development, the Islamabad Special Central Court has accepted two key petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The court ruled in favor of Khan’s request to hold weekly phone calls with his children and undergo a medical examination conducted by his personal doctors.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Shah Arjumand, addressed both of the former Prime Minister’s long-standing demands. The court emphasized that jail authorities had already been directed in 2023 and again this year to facilitate weekly WhatsApp calls between Imran Khan and his children. However, the implementation of these orders had reportedly faced delays or inconsistency, prompting the legal petition.
Weekly WhatsApp Calls with Children to Resume
Judge Shah Arjumand reiterated that the earlier directive allowing Khan to speak to his children via WhatsApp must be honored. The court instructed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure the immediate and consistent implementation of this order.
Furthermore, the court mandated that a compliance report be submitted detailing how and when the WhatsApp calls are facilitated. The judge made it clear that maintaining basic human rights, especially familial communication, is crucial, regardless of a person’s political or legal status.
This decision is expected to ease concerns raised by Khan’s legal team and supporters, who have repeatedly emphasized the emotional toll of prolonged isolation from his family.
Permission for Private Medical Examination Granted
In addition to communication rights, the court also addressed Imran Khan’s request for a medical examination by his personal medical team. The court granted this request, stating that his private doctors must be allowed to assess his health condition.
The examination, however, must be conducted in the presence of the prison’s medical staff, ensuring transparency and maintaining jail security protocols. The court also required the jail authorities to file a separate compliance report on this matter, with a deadline set for April 28.
This move comes amid growing concerns over Khan’s health during his incarceration. His legal team had previously voiced apprehensions regarding limited access to independent medical professionals, raising questions about the adequacy of in-prison healthcare.
Legal and Political Implications
The court’s decision is seen as a partial victory for Imran Khan’s legal team. While the core legal cases against him continue, this ruling touches on basic human rights and access to healthcare, highlighting the judiciary’s role in ensuring humane treatment for all detainees, including high-profile political figures.
Analysts believe that this ruling might also impact public sentiment, as Khan continues to maintain a strong support base that views his incarceration as politically motivated. The restoration of communication with his children may help alleviate public concern over his well-being.
Next Steps and Court Monitoring
The court made it clear that this is not a one-time concession. It expects consistent implementation of both the WhatsApp calls and the medical examination procedures. The requirement for regular compliance reports indicates that the court will continue to monitor the jail authorities’ performance closely.
Should there be any negligence or delay, legal action could follow, reinforcing the accountability mechanisms in place.
With the Islamabad Special Central Court’s latest verdict, Imran Khan will now be able to reconnect with his children through weekly WhatsApp calls and receive a health evaluation from his trusted doctors. This decision upholds basic rights while maintaining the structure of prison protocols.
