Imran Khan Seeks Release on Health Grounds, Claims Severe Vision Loss

Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking release on humanitarian grounds, citing serious health concerns including significant loss of eyesight. During the hearing, Khan’s counsel Salman Safdar argued that the 73-year-old leader has suffered a drastic deterioration in vision, claiming that nearly 85% of his eyesight has been lost, possibly permanently. He also raised concerns over Khan’s prolonged solitary confinement, stating that prison conditions are worsening his health. The plea was filed in connection with appeals against the conviction of Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the 190-million-pound corruption case. Earlier, an accountability court had sentenced Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to seven years. Safdar urged the court to suspend the sentence and highlighted that the appeal has already undergone multiple hearings over the past 16 months. He further requested the court to summon prison and hospital authorities and provide complete medical records, noting that Khan had been shifted to hospital several times due to his condition. However, Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the urgency of the request and suggested focusing on the main appeal for quicker resolution. Despite this, the defence insisted that the health concerns required immediate attention. The case is linked to the Al-Qadir Trust, which is accused of receiving land in exchange for alleged financial favours involving repatriated funds. Khan has denied all allegations, maintaining that neither he nor his wife benefited from the trust. The court has adjourned the hearing, and further proceedings are awaited.

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