Bushra Bibi’s eyesight in ‘extremely vulnerable’ condition

Bushra Bibi’s eyesight in ‘extremely vulnerable condition’, lawyer tells IHC

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, has raised serious concerns over Bushra’s deteriorating eyesight, telling the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that her eye condition appeared to be in an extremely vulnerable state.

In an affidavit submitted to the IHC on Saturday in the £190 million case, Safdar detailed his recent meeting with the incarcerated couple at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He said Bushra appeared to be suffering from severe eye problems and was unable to tolerate either natural sunlight or artificial lighting.

Safdar said jail authorities informed him on October 31 that his meeting with Imran and Bushra had been scheduled for November 2 at 3:30pm. However, the meeting began at 4pm and continued for approximately 40 minutes.

According to the affidavit, Bushra was wearing unusually dark black glasses when Safdar met her. At his request and that of Imran, she removed the glasses, revealing signs of considerable discomfort. Safdar said she appeared to be in severe distress and could not open her eyes without the glasses.

He added that Bushra told them she was unable to tolerate sunlight or artificial light. Her condition raised serious concerns about the extent of damage to her eyesight. Imran also appeared visibly worried about his wife’s deteriorating vision, the lawyer stated.

Safdar further disclosed that Bushra had informed them that doctors who examined her diagnosed her with a mature cataract. She was reportedly told that another eye operation might be required around November 15.

The lawyer also highlighted Bushra’s concerns about cleanliness inside the jail and the medical care being provided to her. She reportedly requested that her examination and treatment be conducted by doctors of her own choice. Safdar assured her that he would bring the matter before the court.

Separately, Bushra 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 requested directions to Adiala Jail authorities to obtain a comprehensive medical report containing details of her diagnosis, examinations and treatment. She also asked the court to order the production of all relevant medical documents.

The application further sought an immediate examination by an eye specialist and consultation with the jail’s medical officer. Bushra also requested permission to receive treatment from a specialist of her choice at her own expense.

It maintained that her eyesight was deteriorating rapidly and called for urgent medical intervention to prevent further damage and protect her vision.

The application was submitted through Barrister Salman Safdar and lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.

Safdar’s latest meeting with the PTI founder came after several months. He had previously met Imran on April 9, following permission granted by the IHC to discuss proceedings in the £190 million case. However, he was not allowed to meet Bushra during that visit.

After the April meeting, Safdar had raised concerns about the couple’s prison conditions, claiming they were kept in solitary confinement for almost 24 hours a day without access to books, television, family members or lawyers.

The issue of Imran’s medical treatment has also been taken up by the Supreme Court. On August 18, while hearing several petitions concerning his medical care and access to family members and lawyers, the apex court directed authorities to shift him to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital within two days for medical examination and treatment.

On the same day, Imran’s sister Noreen Niazi met him at Adiala Jail after a gap of approximately nine months. Their meeting lasted around 15 minutes.

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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.