The federal government has informed the Supreme Court that the nuclear scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, is out of danger and his health is improving.
In a report submitted to the top court on Wednesday, the government said that Dr. AQ Khan is no longer on a ventilator and that he is receiving treatment against COVID-19 in the ICU ward of a military-run hospital in Islamabad.
The Supreme Court’s two-member bench had sought a report on his health while hearing a plea seeking free movement of the nuclear scientist.
During the course of the hearing, the acting Chief Justice, Umar Ata Bandial, observed that in light of his current medical condition, it is the doctors’ discretion whether or not to allow anyone to visit Dr. Abdul Qadeer.
The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Taufiq Asif, requested the bench to allow Dr. AQ Khan’s family to meet him at the hospital.
To this, Justice Atta Bandial maintained it would not be safe for family members to meet him while he still suffers from the COVID-19.
However, the counsel contended that Dr. Qadeer needs to be taken care of, and requires his family members around. The acting chief justice remarked that only doctors could decide about it.
When the counsel brought up the matter of fake news regarding the death of Dr. Abdul Qadeer on social media, Justice Bandial said that everyone including the Supreme Court judge face the ire of social media.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the matter for a month.
The top nuclear scientist was admitted to Khan Research Laboratories Hospital on 26 August with a complaint of chest infection. He later tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Qadeer was put on a ventilator after his health deteriorated earlier this month. He remained on a ventilator for more than a week before being shifted to ICU after showing improvement. Doctors say he is now out of danger.
