Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s jailed founder Imran Khan, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking an immediate examination by an expert ophthalmologist at her own expense. The request comes amid concerns over her rapidly deteriorating eyesight while she serves a prison sentence.
In a miscellaneous application filed in connection with her pending appeals in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, the former first lady also sought permission to receive treatment from doctors of her choice at her own expense. Bushra has requested the court to direct Adiala jail authorities to submit her complete medical record and a fresh, comprehensive medical report detailing her diagnosis and treatment. She is seeking an immediate consultation with a specialist ophthalmologist in the presence of the jail medical officer, along with arrangements for necessary treatment at a specialised medical facility outside the prison.
Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the incarcerated couple, submitted an affidavit to the court detailing a meeting held at Adiala jail on November 2. According to the affidavit, jail authorities informed him on October 31 that a meeting with the PTI founder and Bushra had been scheduled for November 2 at 3:30pm. The meeting began at 4pm and lasted approximately 40 minutes. Safdar reported that Bushra Bibi was wearing exceptionally dark-tinted glasses during the meeting. When she removed them at the request of Safdar and Imran Khan, she appeared visibly distressed.
Safdar stated in the affidavit that Bushra Bibi told him she could not tolerate either sunlight or artificial light and was unable to open her eyes without protective glasses. The counsel noted that Imran Khan also appeared visibly concerned about his wife's vision. Bushra Bibi informed Safdar that doctors had diagnosed her with a "mature cataract" and advised that another operation would be required around November 15.
The application notes that Bushra Bibi expressed dissatisfaction with the hygiene standards and medical treatment provided at Adiala jail. It also refers to a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court in August, which detailed her earlier eye complications and subsequent treatment, including surgery at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi on April 18.
Bushra Bibi is currently serving a seven-year sentence following a January 2025 conviction by an accountability court in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, where she was also fined Rs500,000. Additionally, she was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in December 2025 in the Toshakhana-2 case, which revolved around the purchase of an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during his May 2021 visit.
