Imran’s sister allowed to meet him at Adiala

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi was allowed to proceed to Adiala Jail on Tuesday to meet him after the Supreme Court directed authorities to facilitate family meetings.

Noreen, along with Imran’s sisters Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khanum, reached the Dahgal checkpoint on the road leading to the prison. Police initially stopped all three women but later allowed Noreen to continue towards the jail.

The development came shortly after a three-member Supreme Court bench ordered weekly meetings between Imran and his family. The court was hearing petitions concerning his access to relatives and personal physicians, as well as his medical condition.

Noreen told reporters before leaving for the prison that she would inform Imran about the Supreme Court’s decision and the efforts made by his supporters. She did not respond when asked whether she would speak to the media after the meeting.

Separately, Bushra Bibi’s daughter and sister-in-law were also permitted to meet her at Adiala Jail. The meeting was attended by Musarrat Khawar Maneka and Mehrunnisa, according to jail officials.

The Supreme Court’s decision followed medical reports raising concerns about Imran’s fluctuating blood pressure, anxiety and other symptoms. The court said family access should not be treated as a favour and directed authorities to facilitate regular meetings.

The court also ordered Imran’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment. A medical board comprising an eye specialist, general physician and cardiologist will examine him, while his personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan will also be given access. His sister Dr Uzma is to be associated with the medical board.

PTI representatives have agreed to comply with the court’s condition that political activity and media statements should not be conducted after meetings with Imran.

Speaking at the Dahgal checkpoint, Aleema Khan welcomed the court’s decision and said the family had been demanding Imran’s hospital treatment for months. She also confirmed that Noreen had been allowed to meet him.

Aleema rejected allegations that the family was using Imran’s health for political purposes. She said they were raising concerns as his sisters and seeking what they considered to be his legal rights.

She further argued that Bushra Bibi should also have received similar relief. According to Aleema, the family had already given its commitment before the Supreme Court that it would not gather outside the prison or hospital and address the media following meetings.

Imran’s spokesperson Niazullah Khan Niazi said the PTI founder had a right to meet his family regularly. He welcomed the Supreme Court’s directions and said the party would fully comply with the restrictions imposed by the court.

The Supreme Court also directed authorities to arrange telephone communication between Imran and his children and ordered that his medical records remain confidential.

The latest medical report submitted to the court stated that Imran had experienced fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness and anxiety. A cardiologist who examined him earlier this month recommended measures to reduce stress, including increased family interaction.

A four-member medical board later recorded his blood pressure at 140/80mmHg and recommended walking, relaxation and more frequent interaction with his immediate family and wife.

The report said Imran had undergone dozens of medical examinations since his imprisonment and was being monitored regularly by jail medical staff. It also stated that his ECG was normal and that his eyesight had improved following treatment.

PTI has questioned the adequacy of the medical reports and continued to demand examinations by Imran’s personal physicians and an independent medical board.

The government, however, has rejected allegations that Imran is being denied medical treatment. Government officials have maintained that he is receiving healthcare from qualified specialists and that prison meetings are being conducted according to court orders and applicable law.

Imran and Bushra Bibi remain incarcerated at Adiala Jail. The former prime minister has been in custody since August 2023 and is also facing several legal cases.