Aleema Khanum, sister of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, openly criticized both the party’s senior leadership and the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday. She voiced serious concerns about the way her brother’s medical treatment has been managed, as well as the persistent postponements in scheduling hearings for his ongoing legal cases. Her comments came just a day after Imran Khan was admitted to a hospital for follow-up care related to an eye condition that first emerged in late January.
The decision to transfer Imran Khan to the hospital stirred unease among certain factions within the PTI as well as his family members. They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency surrounding the medical procedure and the exclusion of close relatives from critical decisions. Aleema emphasized that the family’s primary concern remains the former premier’s health, insisting that no medical interventions should proceed without their explicit consent and involvement.
Speaking to journalists outside the Islamabad High Court, Aleema referenced a statement made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on February 17, in which he confirmed that Imran Khan had undergone medical treatment. However, she questioned why neither the party’s leadership nor government officials had provided any detailed information about the nature or extent of this treatment. This silence, she argued, only fueled confusion and anxiety within the family and the party ranks.
Further elaborating on the family’s position, Aleema revealed that they had recommended a panel of trusted doctors, including Dr. Asim, Dr. Uzma Khan, and Dr. Barki, and had requested that the examinations take place at Shifa International Hospital, a facility known for its high standards of care. her, these proposals were either ignored or outright rejected. Instead, the family later discovered that Imran Khan’s treatment had been carried out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) without their knowledge or approval.
She expressed deep frustration over this lack of communication, stating, “We insisted on treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but when we raised our concerns, we were met with punitive measures, including imprisonment.” Aleema also accused government doctors involved in the treatment process of facing undue pressure, suggesting that political interference was compromising the quality and transparency of medical care. She declared that the family would no longer confine their grievances to private discussions but would instead bring these issues into the public arena to ensure accountability.
In addition to concerns about medical care, Aleema criticized the apparent inactivity of senior PTI lawyers and party office-bearers in actively defending Imran Khan’s legal battles. She named prominent figures such as Hamid Khan, Ali Zafar, Latif Khosa, and Barrister Gohar, questioning why these seasoned legal experts, many of whom had been awarded party tickets, had not vigorously pursued the cases pending against the former prime minister. Aleema highlighted that Imran Khan himself had repeatedly urged his legal team to expedite the filing and hearing of his cases, but little progress had been made.
Adding to the family’s frustration was the fact that updates regarding Imran Khan’s medical condition and meetings were being communicated by the Interior Minister rather than through official party channels. Aleema questioned the appropriateness of receiving such critical information from government officials instead of trusted party representatives, underscoring a breakdown in internal communication and coordination.
On the judicial front, Aleema lamented the continuous delays in fixing hearing dates for Imran Khan’s cases. Despite the former premier’s regular appearances in court over the past 13 months, procedural hurdles and postponements have prevented any meaningful progress. She described the experience as exhausting, noting that they often spend hours waiting in court only to find that the cases remain unresolved.
Overall, Aleema Khan’s statements shed light on the complex challenges facing Imran Khan’s legal and medical situations. Her call for greater transparency, active legal advocacy, and respect for the family’s role in medical decisions highlights ongoing tensions within the PTI and the broader political and judicial landscape. As the former prime minister continues to navigate these difficulties, the demand for clarity and justice remains a pressing concern for his supporters and family alike.
