Islamabad, Feb 12 Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in prison, is reportedly experiencing vision loss in his right eye and has complained about inadequate healthcare within the jail. He has expressed satisfaction with the security and food provided, it emerged.
Advocate Salman Safdar, appointed as an amicus curiae to visit Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, submitted a report to the Supreme Court on Wednesday detailing the conditions of incarcerated
The PTI shared the eight-page report with the media, providing a rare glimpse into the life of a former cricketer who was once a popular figure.
Safdar stated that he visited Khan at Adiala Jail on Wednesday at 2 pm and met him in a room with the assistance of the jail superintendent and deputy superintendent.
According to the report, Khan stated that he had been experiencing decreased vision for the past three months, although his vision was normal until October.
At the beginning of the interview, Khan emphasized the urgency of addressing the "very serious and pressing concern" regarding his health.
Khan informed Safdar about the "rapid and substantial loss of vision" over the preceding three months.
"However, this concern was not taken seriously by the relevant jail authorities," the report stated.
According to the report, Khan complained to the jail superintendent about experiencing "blurred vision," but no action was taken.
"After that, a doctor from PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) was called to examine him," the report stated.
Khan stated that he was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused "severe damage," and despite treatment, he had only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye.
Safdar observed that Khan appeared "visibly perturbed and deeply distressed" by the loss of vision and the lack of timely medical intervention.
"Throughout the meeting, Khan's eyes were watery, and he repeatedly used a tissue to wipe them," Safdar wrote.
The report stated that the jail superintendent informed Safdar that Dr. Muhammad Arif of PIMS hospital was providing Khan with care, and that doctors at the jail checked his blood pressure and oxygen levels three times a day.
According to the lawyer, Khan said that regular blood tests were required due to his age, but this was not happening. He also stated that his personal doctors had previously been given access to him, but this was no longer the case.
Khan stated that he was 73 years old and needed regular dental check-ups, but he had not seen a dentist in two years.
The report also provided details about Khan's daily activities in the jail.
"Khan described his daily routine as varying between summer and winter. He takes breakfast around 9:45 am, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran from approximately 11:30 am for about an hour. He then exercises using the available equipment, including a bicycle, two 9-kilogram weights, and a bar," the report stated.
"Around 1:15 pm, after showering, he is allowed to access the walking shed within the secured compound, where he can sit or walk. Lunch is taken between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm, and at 5:00 pm he is again allowed a brief walk. From approximately 5:30 pm until 10:00 am the following morning, he remains confined to his cell," the report added.
The report also provided details about food. "Khan consumes a cup of coffee, porridge, and a few dates for breakfast. For lunch, his main meal, (Khan informed that the weekly meal plan is selected by him and is self-financed by his family) consists of two days of chicken, two days of meat, two days of lentils, and/or two days of 'chaat/snacks'," the report stated.
He further stated that bottled drinking water was available to him. "For dinner, Khan consumes fruit, milk, and dates," the report stated.
The report stated that Khan's designated cell contained a chair, table, bed, and a hanger. He further stated that lighting and ventilation were sufficient during both daytime and nighttime. Moreover, Khan stated that no utensils, cutlery, or crockery were kept inside the cell.
Khan has also been provided with a servant, who is a convicted person in the jail.
He stated that a servant has been deputed to assist with washing and cleaning, including changing bedding and maintaining cleanliness of the cell and washroom.
Khan "expressed no complaint in this regard and stated that he is satisfied with the cleanliness arrangements. He further stated that toiletries are provided whenever demanded", the report stated.
As far as amenities are concerned, Khan stated that for winter, a small-sized heater/blower is available in his cell and that hot water is available at all times.
However, he stated that the summer months are particularly difficult "due to extreme heat and humidity", coupled with inadequate control of insects and mosquitoes.
He added that although he uses mosquito repellent protection and has a room cooler, these measures do not sufficiently mitigate the prevailing conditions.
"As a result, the summer period remains especially challenging and adversely affects his ability to rest and the quality of his sleep," the report stated.
Safdar stated that he was taken to Cell No. 2, where Khan has been confined. He stated that at the entrance of the cell, an iron-rod structure was observed, with a plastic sheet affixed to provide protection from wind.
"Inside the cell, the undersigned observed three high-voltage light bulbs, one ceiling fan, one blower heater, two tables, one wall clock, one bed, one chair, and one small rack. A 32-inch Haier television was affixed on the wall; however, upon the undersigned's request to have it operated, the television was found to be non-functional," the report stated.
"No cupboard was observed inside the cell, as a result of which the majority of the petitioner's clothing was hung on five hangers. Furthermore, upon inspection, the chair provided in the cell was found to be uncomfortable," the report stated.
The bedding consisted of one single-bed mattress, four pillows, and two blankets. It was further observed that five pairs of shoes or trainers were placed under the bed.
"A grey-coloured carpet mat was observed on the floor of the cell. The undersigned further observed the presence of the petitioner's toiletries and personal belongings, including a prayer mat and a 'tasbeeh' (prayer counter). Two towels were also present," the report stated.
Additionally, approximately 100 books were observed, placed on one of the tables, along with two wrapped apples, two dumbbells, and personal care items, including tissue papers, mouthwash, an air freshener, shaving gel and a shaving kit.
"Within the cell, a toilet measuring approximately 4½ x 4½ feet was observed, partitioned by a five-foot-high wall having no ceiling. Outside the toilet area, a wash basin with access to both hot and cold water was present, along with a mirror. With regard to cleanliness, some room for improvement in sanitary conditions of the toilet was observed," it stated.
With regard to ventilation, the cell has two openings measuring approximately 2 x 2 feet, located on opposite ends of the ceiling, providing for cross-ventilation. However, despite the toilet located within the cell, there is no exhaust system installed, it said.
According to the report, Khan expressed satisfaction with his security arrangements, living conditions inside the prison and the provision of food.
In the report, Safdar recommended that Khan’s eye disease be given “serious attention” and that a team of experts examine him.
He suggested that Khan’s personal doctors should also be given access, he should be provided with the books he wants and allowed to meet his relatives and talk to his sons.
He should also be allowed to meet lawyers, arrangements should be made to protect Khan’s cell from flies and mosquitoes and a refrigerator should be provided to store food, the report said.