ISLAMABAD:
Amid an exhausting blame game between the government and the embattled PTI, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday criticized what he described as the “politicization” of the jailed PTI founder’s health, accusing “certain people” of exploiting the issue for political gain.
Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since August 2023 and is serving a 14-year prison sentence for corruption, one of dozens of cases he and his party say were fabricated to keep him out of politics, a charge the government denies.
Khan was taken to PIMS earlier this month for a “20-minute eye procedure”, but the visit remained secret, sparking media speculation and deepening concerns among his party leaders and family members.
Dismissing what he called “misinformation” on social media about Khan’s health, the interior minister urged the public to rely on “verified reports” rather than “propaganda” which he said had stoked unnecessary panic and anxiety. He added that the government and medical teams had acted responsibly and transparently in providing treatment to the former prime minister.
Briefing the media about Khan’s medical care and living conditions, amid concerns over his eyesight, Naqvi claimed that the imprisoned PTI founder was taken to hospital for an injection in the eye, under strict medical precautions.
“It was a routine procedure. Doctors were already carrying out regular checks. The injection was administered at the hospital as a precaution to avoid any risk of infection or complications,” he said, adding that all detainees are entitled to medical treatment under the law.
Naqvi said opposition leaders from the National Assembly and Senate, along with other representatives, visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and met for nearly an hour and a half with doctors treating Khan.
He said the doctors also consulted with Imran Khan’s personal doctors over the phone for 45 minutes, answered detailed questions and described the treatment as “excellent” and “the best possible care”.
According to Naqvi, the medical examination had been delayed by three days due to opposition and objections from the family, specifically naming Imran’s sister Aleema Khan.
“Aleema Khan told the party members that if we agree on everything, the issue will lose momentum. Due to these vetoes, the medical examination has been delayed by three days. On one hand, they are expressing sympathy; on the other hand, politics is being played out on this issue,” he said.
Naqvi alleged that some people were trying to gain political mileage by exaggerating the situation. “Most political leaders agreed, but Aleema Khan repeatedly vetoed the decisions. When all the facts were presented, they were there, but they still sought to capitalize on the issue,” he added.
He reiterated that Imran Khan’s medical treatment was handled in accordance with legal requirements and standard procedures.
These developments come amid growing concerns over Imran Khan’s deteriorating eyesight in detention. In a recent proceeding, Pakistan’s chief justice observed that all prisoners, including Imran, should have equal medical care and that health issues take precedence.
The apex court ordered the formation of a medical team to examine her eye condition and directed the authorities to ensure telephone contact with her children by February 16.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the bench that access to ophthalmologists would be ensured and phone calls with his sons, Qasim and Salman, would be facilitated.
Lawyer Salman Safdar, acting as amicus curiae, reported that Imran suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye and retained only 15% vision despite previous treatment.
Meanwhile, a sit-in outside Parliament entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with party leaders and family members demanding access to the jailed PTI founder, amid growing health concerns.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai said the protest, which began on Friday, was aimed at obtaining permission from at least one family member or party representative to meet Imran and dispel rumors about his condition.
Aleema Khan reiterated that the family rejected the medical report issued by the doctors appointed in the jail and insisted that he be examined at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal doctor. She said a press conference would be held following such a meeting.
Meanwhile, Naqvi spoke about the deteriorating security situation, citing the recent terrorist attacks in Bajaur and Shangla districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“The fire of terrorism is intensifying in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Incidents are happening daily. The KP government needs to step up its efforts. The police are fighting well, but without a unified political leadership, no campaign can succeed,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the unrest in Balochistan, warning that attempts to destabilize governance or incite unrest, including through digital platforms, were against the public interest.
Naqvi accused India of acting as a proxy behind recent terrorist attacks, alleging a strategy of “posing as victims while orchestrating violence.” He added that Islamabad was raising the issue on international platforms to “counter this tactic”.
The Interior Minister urged political actors to act responsibly. “Sane voices exist everywhere, but they are often ignored. The public must decide whether to stay with reason or with those who fuel tensions,” he said.
