While submitting a report in pursuance of the top court’s earlier directives on Wednesday, the federal government informed the Supreme Court that health of the nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is improving and he is out of danger.
Taking up the plea seeking free movement of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, a two-member bench headed by acting Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed that it is doctors’ discretion whether or not to allow anyone to visit Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan in the light of his current medical conditions.
Responding to the court’s query, Additional Attorney General Sajid Ilyas Bhatti apprised the bench that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is no longer on ventilator, saying he is undergoing treatment in the ICU ward of Military Hospital.
During the course of hearing, Taufiq Asif, counsel for the petitioner, urged the bench that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan should be allowed to meet his family members to which acting Chief Justice Bandial observed how it would be possible for the family to meet him while he is suffering from Covid-19. However, the counsel contended that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is in dire need to be taken care of.
Upon which the acting chief justice said that only doctors can decide about it.
When Advocate Taufiq Asif argued that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has been begging for fundamental rights for two years, the acting CJP expressed dismay, saying the counsel should not talk in a way that contradicts the facts.
The acting chief justice observed that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is the asset of the country and a prominent nuclear scientist, saying he keeps many secrets.
Responding to the counsel for the petitioners that fabricated and false news are spread on social media about Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the acting chief justice remarked a lot is said against everyone on social media. He further observed, “We also tolerate social media talk, so do you.” Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the matter for a month.