Bushra Bibi Moves IHC Over Failing Eyesight
Bushra Bibi eyesight worries have brought her back before the Islamabad High Court, with the former first lady seeking an immediate examination by an eye specialist and permission to receive treatment from doctors of her choice at her own expense.
Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over her deteriorating eyesight. She is serving a seven-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case, and her application was filed in connection with the pending appeals in that case. It seeks a fresh and comprehensive medical report from Adiala jail authorities on her health condition.
The application asks the court to direct the jail authorities to produce complete details of her diagnosis and treatment, along with all relevant medical records. It also asks the court to order an immediate examination by an ophthalmologist, allow her to receive treatment from her personal doctors at her own expense, and ensure the provision of appropriate medical facilities.
Bushra Bibi eyesight: what the affidavit says
Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for the PTI founder, has submitted an affidavit before the IHC detailing his recent meeting with Imran and Bushra at Adiala jail. The affidavit raises serious concerns about her eyesight.
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. The meeting began at 4pm and lasted about 40 minutes.
Barrister Safdar stated that Bushra Bibi was wearing exceptionally dark-tinted glasses during the meeting. When she removed them at the request of Imran and the counsel, her condition appeared extremely distressing. He said she told him she could not tolerate either sunlight or artificial light and was unable to open her eyes without protective glasses. Her eyesight appeared to have deteriorated considerably, giving the impression that her vision had been severely impaired. The affidavit further stated that the PTI founder also appeared visibly concerned about his wife’s deteriorating eyesight.
Doctors advise another eye surgery
According to the former first lady, doctors who examined her had diagnosed her condition as a “mature cataract”. They advised that another eye surgery would be required around November 15. Her first eye surgery was on April 18, after which she was sent back to Adiala jail.
Barrister Safdar stated that Bushra had specifically requested that her medical examination and treatment be conducted by her personal doctors, and he assured her that he would raise the matter before the court.
The application urges the IHC to intervene to ensure that Bushra receives immediate specialist medical attention. It warns that her deteriorating eyesight must not be further compromised due to any delay in treatment.
Plea lands days before appeals hearing
The petition comes at a sensitive time for the couple’s legal battle. The appeals of Imran and Bushra against their convictions in the £190 million case are fixed for hearing before the IHC on November 10, before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif.
In January 2025, an Islamabad accountability court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to seven years in the £190 million case. In December 2025, she was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment in the Toshakhana-2 case, which concerned the purchase of an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during his May 2021 visit.
Health has become a growing concern in the couple’s jail cases. Imran Khan’s health has also reached the Supreme Court, where his party has sought enforcement of court orders on his treatment, including access for his personal physicians. The PTI has separately urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to act on the matter. The IHC has already put in place a mechanism for jail visits to Imran.
Frequently asked questions
What has Bushra Bibi asked the Islamabad High Court?
She has sought an immediate examination by an ophthalmologist and permission to receive treatment from doctors of her choice at her own expense. Her application also seeks a fresh medical report from Adiala jail authorities, details of her diagnosis and treatment, and all relevant medical records.
What is wrong with Bushra Bibi’s eyesight?
Doctors have diagnosed a “mature cataract” and advised another eye surgery around November 15. Her counsel’s affidavit says she cannot tolerate sunlight or artificial light and cannot open her eyes without protective glasses. Her first eye surgery was on April 18.
When will the IHC hear the appeals in the £190 million case?
The appeals of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against their convictions are fixed for hearing on November 10. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif will hear them.
What did the affidavit say about the November 2 meeting?
Barrister Salman Safdar’s affidavit says he met Imran and Bushra at Adiala jail on November 2 for about 40 minutes. Bushra was wearing dark-tinted glasses and said she could not tolerate sunlight or artificial light, and her eyesight appeared to have deteriorated considerably.
