Anti-Terrorism Court Rejects Imran Khan’s Request for Medical Examination by Personal Doctors

By Dr Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
RAWALPINDI – An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has rejected a request by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan seeking a medical examination by his personal doctors.
According to a report by Shabbir Ahmed Dar, the petition was heard by Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court. Imran Khan’s counsel Faisal Malik appeared before the court, while Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah represented the prosecution.
Opposing the request, the special prosecutor argued that Imran Khan is not an under-trial prisoner but is currently on bail in the May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case, and therefore holds the legal status of an accused rather than a prisoner.
The prosecution further contended that a criminal court does not have the authority to regulate the custody or medical arrangements of an accused on bail, stating that such matters fall outside its jurisdiction. It added that medical treatment for detainees is provided through government-appointed doctors.
According to the prosecution, the Pakistan Prison Rules do not allow treatment by private or personal doctors, nor do they grant prisoners the right to consult doctors of their own choice.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the PTI founder’s request for access to personal medical doctors.