Amicus Curiae Submits Report to Supreme Court on Imran Khan’s Jail Conditions, Raises Concerns Over Eye Health and Legal Access

**Islamabad:** Barrister Salman Safdar has submitted a detailed report to the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the living conditions of former Prime Minister عمران احمد خان نیازی (Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi) at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, highlighting serious concerns about his deteriorating eyesight, limited access to legal counsel, and family visitation restrictions.

The report was filed in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated February 10, 2026, in Criminal Petitions Nos. 921/2023, 922/2023, and 938/2023, titled *“Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi vs. District Election Commissioner, Islamabad.”* The court had appointed Barrister Safdar as *amicus curiae* (friend of the court) to independently assess and report on the petitioner’s living conditions in jail.

### Visit to Adiala Jail

According to the report, Barrister Safdar visited Adiala Jail at approximately 2:00 pm and met with jail officials before holding a two-hour meeting with Imran Khan from 2:35 pm to 4:30 pm. He later inspected the residential compound where Khan is being held.

Imran Khan informed the amicus that he was initially detained at District Jail Attock for two months before being transferred to Adiala Jail in October 2023. He stated that he has remained in the same cell since then and has been in solitary confinement for approximately two years and four months.

### Serious Concerns Over Eye Health

A major portion of the report focuses on Khan’s deteriorating eyesight. The former premier reportedly told the amicus that until October 2025, his vision in both eyes was normal (6/6), but he subsequently experienced persistent blurriness and haziness. Despite repeatedly informing jail authorities, he claimed that no meaningful medical intervention was provided for several months.

According to the report, Khan’s right eye later suffered a sudden and significant loss of vision. A diagnosis of “right central retinal vein occlusion” was reportedly made, and he received treatment including an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection. However, he currently retains only about 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Barrister Safdar noted that Khan appeared visibly distressed during the meeting, with continuous tearing from his eyes. The amicus recommended an immediate independent medical evaluation by a team of ophthalmologists and suggested that Khan’s personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yusuf, be allowed to participate in his treatment.

### Living Conditions and Facilities

The report states that Khan expressed satisfaction regarding his security and basic living arrangements. He is housed in a separate, high-security compound surrounded by a 12-foot wall with barbed wire, monitored by security personnel round the clock.

His cell measures approximately 8 by 10 feet and contains a bed, chair, tables, lighting fixtures, a ceiling fan, a blower heater, and a wall-mounted television, which was found non-functional during inspection. About 100 books were seen placed on a table inside the cell, along with two apples, two dumbbells, and personal care items.

The compound includes a small lawn area used for sunlight and exercise, as well as a cemented open space for walking. A kitchen is also present, though the amicus observed room for improvement in hygiene standards.

Khan’s daily routine reportedly includes breakfast at around 9:45 am, Quran recitation, exercise using an exercise bike and weights, limited outdoor walking time, and early evening confinement in his cell from 5:30 pm until the following morning.

He receives food selected by him on a weekly basis, funded by his family, and drinks bottled water. However, he raised concerns about extreme heat, mosquitoes, and the absence of a refrigerator, stating that he had suffered food poisoning two to three times during summer months.

### Legal and Family Access Issues

The report highlights significant concerns regarding access to legal counsel. Khan reportedly stated that he has not been allowed to meet his lead counsel or legal team for the past five months, which he claims has hindered his ability to prepare his defense in multiple ongoing cases at bail, trial, and appellate stages.

He also expressed frustration over limited family contact. While he is now allowed to meet his wife once a week for 30 minutes, he claimed that his sisters and other close relatives have not been permitted regular visits. He further stated that in 2025, he was allowed to speak to his sons in the United Kingdom only twice, despite court orders and repeated requests.

### Recommendations to the Court

In his concluding observations, Barrister Safdar acknowledged that Khan expressed contentment with his security and basic provisions but identified several urgent concerns requiring judicial intervention. These include:

* Immediate independent medical evaluation by ophthalmology specialists.
* Consideration of access to personal physicians.
* Restoration of regular access to legal counsel.
* Permission for regular meetings and communication with close family members.
* Provision of a functioning television and uninterrupted access to books.
* Installation of effective mosquito control measures and provision of a refrigerator for food storage.

The amicus stated that these steps are essential to ensure humane living conditions and safeguard the petitioner’s health without compromising jail security.

The report was formally submitted to the Supreme Court in compliance with its February 10, 2026 order.