ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the criminal trial in the Toshakhana case against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while directing authorities to ensure his medical examination of his eye and facilitate telephonic contact with his children before February 16.
The two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, heard the case. Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as amicus curiae (friend of the court), while the Attorney General for Pakistan represented the state.
During the proceedings, the court appreciated the government’s performance regarding the provision of facilities to the PTI founder in jail, observing that it was commendable for the state to fulfil its responsibilities in an appropriate manner.
The bench ordered that the PTI founder’s eye examination be conducted before February 16 and also directed authorities to arrange his telephonic contact with his children within the same timeframe.
The Attorney General assured the court that all directions would be implemented.
The PTI founder expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements and food facilities provided in jail. Barrister Salman Safdar read out the recommendations included in his report and requested that the medical examination be conducted in the presence of a family member. However, the court rejected this plea. The bench clarified that if doctors recommended the provision of books for reading, they would be made available.
Chief Justice Afridi remarked that other recommendations presented in the report would be reviewed independently, and certain matters would remain pending until the Islamabad High Court announced its decision. He emphasized that the health of the PTI founder was of paramount importance and that the court would pass an appropriate order in this regard. He also noted that the government’s stance on the health issue was necessary.
Highlighting the importance of facilitating contact with the PTI founder’s children, the Chief Justice said the court was placing trust in the government to ensure compliance.
The Supreme Court also commended Barrister Salman Safdar for effectively performing his role as amicus curiae, stating that he had discharged his responsibilities diligently.
The bench further appreciated the role of friends of the court and termed the government’s provision of facilities as commendable.
During the hearing, Barrister Safdar informed the court that he had received more than a hundred calls and messages regarding the case, but treated the matter as a trust of the court and did not share any details with anyone.