Bushra Bibi petitions court for urgent eye care in prison

Bushra Bibi has filed an urgent petition requesting specialized eye treatment for severe cataract-related visual impairment while imprisoned. Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court on November 2, 2025. The application seeks an immediate examination by an ophthalmologist and permission for her to receive treatment from her personal doctors at her own expense.

Her eyesight has deteriorated considerably. Doctors diagnosed her condition as a 'mature cataract' and advised another eye surgery around November 15. This follows a first operation performed on April 18, after which she was returned to Adiala jail. The petition urges the court to intervene to ensure immediate specialist medical attention and prevent further deterioration. It also seeks assurance of appropriate medical facilities.

Legal context of dual sentences

She serves concurrent 17-year and 7-year sentences for separate corruption cases including the Toshakhana-2 and £190 million matters. She is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the £190 million corruption case. An additional 17-year sentence was handed down in December 2025 in the Toshakhana-2 case. That case related to the purchase of an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince during his May 2021 visit.

Court proceedings and medical documentation

The petition demands comprehensive medical records and an independent ophthalmological assessment from prison authorities. It requests a fresh and comprehensive medical report from Adiala jail authorities on her health condition. The application seeks complete details of her diagnosis and treatment. It asks the court to direct jail authorities to produce all relevant medical records.

Recent legal interaction

Barrister Salman Safdar reported a 40-minute meeting with Imran Khan and his wife on November 2 following scheduled talks on October 31. Counsel for Imran Khan submitted an affidavit detailing the meeting at Adiala jail that began at 4pm. Bushra Bibi was observed wearing exceptionally dark-tinted glasses during the meeting. Her lawyer reported that she wore very dark glasses and could not tolerate sunlight or artificial light without protective eyewear.

When she removed her glasses at the request of Imran and counsel, her condition appeared extremely distressing. Bushra Bibi said, "I could not tolerate either sunlight or artificial light and was unable to open my eyes without protective glasses." She has expressed dissatisfaction with prison hygiene standards and the quality of medical treatment she is receiving. Barrister Safdar stated that Bushra specifically requested treatment by her personal doctors and that he would raise the matter before the court. The petition is part of the ongoing hearing of appeals related to the £190 million corruption case. The Islamabad High Court's decision on the medical petition request is pending.