Bushra's eyesight deteriorating rapidly, IHC told

Salman Safdar submits affidavit regarding Nov 2 meeting with Imran Khan, his wife

ISLAMABAD:

Former first lady Bushra Bibi's eyesight has deteriorated to an alarming extent and she can no longer tolerate sunlight or artificial light, former prime minister Imran Khan's and his wife's counsel Barrister Salman Safdar told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in an affidavit.

In a related development, Bushra Bibi has filed an application before the IHC seeking permission to undergo treatment by a specialist doctor of her choice at her own expense.

Safdar, in his affidavit submitted in connection with the jail meeting with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, said Adiala Jail authorities informed him on October 31 that his meeting with the two was scheduled for 3:30pm on November 2. The meeting began at 4pm and lasted around 40 minutes.

He said Bushra Bibi wore unusually dark sunglasses during the meeting. When she removed them at his and Imran's request, she appeared to be in severe distress, and the condition of her eyes looked extremely fragile.

Safdar said he felt her eyesight had been seriously affected. Imran Khan, too, appeared visibly concerned about her deteriorating vision, Safdar added.

According to the affidavit, Bushra Bibi told him she could neither tolerate sunlight nor artificial light and was unable to open her eyes without wearing glasses.

She also said doctors who examined her had diagnosed her condition as mature cataract and had advised that another eye operation would be required around November 15.

Safdar further stated that Bushra Bibi expressed dissatisfaction with the standard of cleanliness in the jail and the medical treatment being provided to her. She requested that her examination and treatment be arranged through her own doctors. The lawyer assured her he would raise the matter and bring it to the court's attention.

In her application filed in the pending appeals against the sentences in the £190 million case, Bushra Bibi maintained that her eye condition is deteriorating rapidly and requires urgent medical attention.