Salman Safdar refutes media reports, says no statement issued on Imran’s health

ISLAMABAD: Friend of the court Advocate Salman Safdar Wednesday, denied the media reports that quoted him on the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

"I needed to talk to the media today as yesterday false news was attributed to me," Safdar was quoted as saying by the media. He further said, "I did not issue any statement on PTI founder Imran Khan’s health," adding, "the meeting was for three hours."

In his brief interactions with the media on the previous day, while attending the Supreme Court-mandated meeting with Imran, Safdar Awan had said. 

"It is not appropriate until I submit the report.” But what he did assure was that the meeting had taken place and there had been full access. When asked about the health of the founder of the party, Safdar Awan said, "Fine. Rest, you should see in the report.”

Meanwhile, Safdar further clarified that he did not offer any sort of briefing to Aleema Khan or PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja regarding the meeting on Imran’s health condition. "I did not tell them anything about the report, and they have understood that I cannot tell them anything about the report."

Safdar stated further," I requested them not to discuss anything related to the report," Safdar said. "I did not tell them anything, and they respected my opinion."

Briefing the media about Safdar’s meeting with Imran, she said that he was not allowed to speak on any subject. “After the meeting, Salman Safdar only told us that he had met Imran for two hours and that Imran is alright,” Aleema said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appointed Safdar as amicus curiae to present a report on Imran's living conditions in Adiala Jail. Safdar said he met with the PTI founder and also saw his cell as per the order of the court.

The report itself, Safdar revealed today, comprises seven pages and 22 paragraphs, and has been submitted to the Supreme Court. "My first responsibility was to submit the report," he said, stating that he had fulfilled his duty. He added that he praised Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan in the report, and has also commended the administration of Adiala Jail.