Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday that the detailed medical reports of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan have been handed over to his family. This development follows a renewed appeal by the PTI to the Supreme Court (SC), seeking access to Imran’s medical information and visitation rights for his personal physicians.
Minister Tarar’s announcement on social media was significantly timed, as the PTI had approached the SC earlier in the day to obtain access to Imran Khan, who is currently serving sentences in Central Jail, Rawalpindi. National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai had earlier written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on this matter, highlighting the need for ongoing medical assessments for the former premier.
“Upon directions from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), a comprehensive report was forwarded by Dr. Rana Imran Sikander, executive director of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), to the superintendent of Central Jail, Rawalpindi, which has now been conveyed to the family,” Tarar stated.
The report detailed Imran Khan’s medical condition, noting a concerning reduction in vision in his right eye. It described the thorough examination performed by a qualified ophthalmologist from PIMS, which resulted in a diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion, subsequently recommending follow-up treatment.
However, the PTI has expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of Imran’s medical treatment, criticizing the government for allegedly transferring him to PIMS without informing either his family or party representatives. The report further conveyed that once treated, Imran was in a stable condition and discharged according to standard post-procedure protocols.
In a related matter, the Adiala jail administration informed an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad that both Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are receiving medical care consistent with prison regulations. Following previous contempt proceedings, the jail’s deputy superintendent submitted a brief regarding the medical treatment provided, reaffirming adherence to the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
Despite these notifications, Imran’s sister, Aleema, criticized the delay in providing complete medical reports to the family, claiming a breach of ethics and oversight regarding the chief justice’s commitments.
Moreover, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating that this marks their tenth approach to the apex court regarding Imran’s health care, which he described as a matter of national significance. He implored the chief justice to ensure prompt access for Imran’s personal doctors and necessary medical documentation.
This ongoing series of events underscores the delicate interplay between legal, medical, and political realms surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment, reflecting broader concerns over the treatment of political figures within Pakistan’s judicial system. The situation remains fluid, with significant public interest in the health and welfare of the former prime minister. –LORD
