SC issues statement on PTI protest, demand for access to detained Imran Khan

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has stated a protest held by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) outside the court premises and the party’s request to meet the Chief Justice.

According to the statement, the Supreme Court received a written memorandum from PTI parliamentarians, in which concerns were raised over access to the party’s detained leader.

The statement noted that PTI lawmakers had gathered outside the Supreme Court on 30 January.

It said the Registrar of the Supreme Court met PTI representatives, while PTI’s counsel Salman Akram Raja was permitted to meet the Chief Justice.

During the interaction, concerns were raised regarding family access to the detained PTI leader, as well as access for medical specialists.

The statement clarified that the matter was not related to any case currently under trial.

The concerns were administrative in nature and were forwarded to the relevant authorities for consideration in accordance with the law. Following the submission of the concerns, the gathering dispersed peacefully.

According to the Supreme Court, after no formal response was received for a week, opposition leaders approached the court again on 6 February.

The delegation included the Leaders of the Opposition in both the Senate and the National Assembly.

A signed memorandum was formally received by the Registrar, once again raising the issue of access to the detained PTI leader and concerns regarding the provision of medical reports.

The statement added that the memorandum has once again been forwarded to the relevant administrative authorities. 

The Supreme Court has also issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling such matters in the future.

It said the SOPs establish a formal mechanism for communication with affected parties, emphasise the protection of institutional dignity, and safeguard judicial business as well as the rights of other litigants.

According to the statement, the SOPs stress ensuring access, facilitation and necessary amenities, including the provision of emergency medical care.

The Supreme Court said the SOPs are aimed at bringing discipline and clarity to the process.