Rana Sanaullah, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, reiterated on Wednesday that former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan could be transferred to a hospital if the judiciary issues such an order. Sanaullah’s statement came amidst growing concerns over Imran Khan’s health, particularly regarding his ongoing treatment for a severe eye ailment while in custody.
During his appearance on a prominent current affairs program, Sanaullah provided detailed insights into the medical evaluations conducted on Imran Khan. He highlighted that a five-member medical panel had thoroughly examined the PTI leader twice at the Central Jail in Rawalpindi, where he has been held since August 2023. The adviser emphasized that if the PTI leadership remains dissatisfied with the medical care provided within the jail, they should seek recourse through the Supreme Court to ensure proper treatment.
This development follows Imran Khan’s recent visit to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad, where he received his second eye injection as part of a prescribed treatment plan. The former prime minister had initially been administered the first injection in late January, with doctors recommending a total of three injections to address his eye condition. The third injection is scheduled for March 23, underscoring the ongoing nature of his medical care.
Imran Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious condition that affects the retina and can lead to significant vision loss. a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court earlier this month by his legal representative Salman Safdar, Imran has reportedly lost approximately 85% of the vision in his right eye. This alarming health update has intensified calls from various quarters for improved medical attention and transparency regarding his condition.
Addressing rumors about Imran Khan’s health, Sanaullah pointed out that restrictions were placed on meetings between the jailed PTI leader and his party members following breaches of jail regulations by PTI officials and his family. He noted that these restrictions sparked speculation about Imran’s wellbeing. To dispel such rumors, the authorities arranged a meeting between Imran and his sister at the jail, aiming to provide clarity and transparency.
However, Sanaullah stressed that the satisfaction of Imran Khan’s family or party members regarding his treatment is a separate issue from legal and procedural considerations. He accused the PTI leadership of attempting to politicize the former premier’s health concerns to create unrest. The adviser also raised a cautionary note about the potential consequences if doctors who meet Imran make statements that could be deemed inappropriate or politically motivated.
Drawing a parallel, Sanaullah referenced the case of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, who had heart disease and was permitted by the court to travel abroad for medical treatment after fulfilling all legal requirements. Nawaz Sharif had assured the court of his return following treatment in London in November 2019. Sanaullah reminded viewers that during Nawaz’s medical leave, then Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government had no objections, highlighting the precedent for allowing medical travel under judicial supervision.
Meanwhile, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, Shahid Khattak, responded by urging the government to facilitate Imran Khan’s transfer to a hospital for proper medical examination. He insisted that the examination should take place in the presence of Imran’s personal physician and at least one of his sisters to ensure transparency and accountability. Khattak warned of serious consequences if the government failed to act, emphasizing the responsibility for any adverse outcomes related to Imran’s health.
Khattak also criticized the secrecy surrounding Imran Khan’s medical treatment, threatening to mobilize protests if the situation remained unresolved. In response to Sanaullah’s concerns about doctors making statements, the PTI leader assured that Imran’s personal physician would maintain confidentiality and refrain from public comments if allowed to attend to the former prime minister.
As the political tug-of-war over Imran Khan’s health continues, the issue remains a sensitive and highly charged topic within Pakistan’s political landscape. The coming weeks are likely to see further developments as the courts, medical experts, and political parties navigate this complex situation, balancing legal protocols with humanitarian concerns.
