Information Minister rejects health rumors, says former PM is ‘absolutely in good health’
Imran Khan, founder of PTI. PHOTO: FILE
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, lodged in Adiala Prison, was briefly taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) for treatment.
His statement comes amid growing concern expressed by senior opposition leaders over Khan’s health. Top leaders of the PTI and allied parties held a joint press conference on Wednesday, raising the alarm over what they described as the continued denial of access to the jailed former prime minister, a day after reports surfaced that he was suffering from an eye infection.
“The last meeting with Imran Khan took place on December 20, after which party officials and his family members were not allowed to meet him,” PTI Chairman’s lawyer Gohar Ali Khan said at the press conference. He added that an application had been filed with the court seeking permission to meet Khan, but approval had not yet been granted.
Speaking to a private news channel on Thursday, Tarar said ophthalmologists examined Khan at Adiala prison and advised him to be transferred to Pims for further assessment and treatment.
Read: Imran’s hospital admission worries PTI
Following doctors’ recommendations, Tarar said, Khan was taken to hospital Saturday evening.
According to the minister, Pims doctors carried out a further examination of Khan’s eyes and, after obtaining his written consent, carried out a minor medical procedure which lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Following the procedure, Khan was transferred to Adiala prison with necessary medical instructions, Tarar said, adding that his vital signs remained stable and his general health condition was satisfactory.
“He is in perfect health,” Tarar said. He added that prisoners have access to medical facilities and specialized care whenever necessary, in accordance with prison rules.
Dismissing rumors circulating on social media regarding Khan’s condition, Tarar said claims that the former prime minister’s health condition was serious were false.
“Alhamdulillah, he is absolutely fine,” he said, reiterating that the hospital visit was only for a minor eye procedure carried out on medical advice.
