Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
With the health of PTI founder Imran Khan once again becoming a flashpoint, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday formally appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for personal intervention to allow the jailed leader to be examined by his “trusted” doctors, while the government maintained that the ex-prime minister is already receiving adequate medical care.
In a letter shared by Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on
“I am writing with utmost urgency to immediately draw your attention to a serious matter regarding the health of former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Mr. Imran Khan, currently detained in Adiala Prison, Rawalpindi.”
Achakzai said he learned that the recent medical examinations were carried out “without the knowledge and presence of his personal medical team or family members.”
“His personal doctors, who are fully aware of his medical history, have not been informed.”
“A comprehensive medical examination and tests by one’s trusted doctors are absolutely necessary without delay to properly assess and manage one’s health, in accordance with medical ethics, legal obligations and fundamental human rights.”
He named Dr Muhammad Aasim Yusuf, Dr Mazhar Ishaq and Dr Aamir Awan as doctors who should be allowed to examine the former prime minister.
“Your immediate personal intervention to secure this medical access is necessary so that the health and well-being of the former Prime Minister are safeguarded.”
The letter came days after media reports revealed that Imran had been treated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), a fact later admitted by the government.
Similarly, Pims Executive Director Professor Rana Imran Sikander confirmed that the procedure went “smoothly” and that Imran remained “stable” during treatment.
“The procedure was completed smoothly in approximately 20 minutes. During treatment, the patient remained stable and was released with routine post-operative care instructions and follow-up counseling and documentation.”
However, the PTI condemned Imran’s “secret transfer” to Pims, alleging that his family and party leaders were deliberately kept in the dark and that he was denied access to his personal doctors.
“Excellent hospital”
Meanwhile, the issue also spread to the Senate on Tuesday, where Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said Pims was “an excellent hospital” and claimed that Imran himself had requested to be taken there for treatment.
He told the House that the PTI founder had said he could be taken away in the evening if security was an issue and reiterated that the Pims executive director had already addressed the issue in a press conference.
Tarar said if other medical problems arise, similar facilities will be provided. He added that Imran had personally requested a special injection from Pims.
The Justice Minister said the Constitution guaranteed the rights of all, but also followed a judicial procedure.
He said the former prime minister was convicted under due process in a case involving sale of a diamond necklace worth Rs45 million at a discounted price.
Tarar said the responsibility of a convicted prisoner lies with the appellate courts and any complaints regarding jail facilities can be taken to the prison superintendent or the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Referring to his own party’s experiences, Tarar recalled that Rana Sanaullah had suffered from eye paralysis before his arrest and was denied access to medical care while forced to sleep on the ground in extreme heat.
He said the prime minister never requested that Imran be denied medical facilities and had ordered the health secretary to hold a press conference with the executive director of Pims.
Tarar insisted that the PTI founder’s health was “absolutely good”.
The opposition demands access
Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said Imran was the country’s most popular leader and had not been examined by his personal doctors for 14 months.
He said informing family members and allowing access to medical care was a constitutional obligation and fundamental right.
He proposed that a joint committee comprising government and opposition senators should visit Imran, meet his family and personal doctors and report back.
“Even a cruel person should not be treated cruelly,” he said.
PTI senator Ali Zafar called the case a human rights issue, saying Imran’s doctors had warned his condition could permanently damage his eye.
He recalled that when Nawaz Sharif was imprisoned, his platelet problem was treated as a humanitarian concern and he was given access to doctors and allowed to travel abroad.
Ali Zafar demanded that Imran’s doctors be allowed to meet him immediately, that a report be sought from Pims and that two senators accompany the doctors during the visit.
