Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have intensified their calls for former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be allowed full access to his personal medical team and family members. This demand follows the government’s recent disclosure that Imran was moved overnight to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad for treatment of an eye condition. The hospital confirmed that Imran received a second dose of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, a specialized procedure aimed at managing his diagnosed eye ailment.
The transfer took place late Monday, catching PTI officials off guard as they were not informed in advance about the timing or location of the treatment. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI’s chairman, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of prior notification regarding the medical examination. He emphasized that Imran’s ongoing treatment should be carried out at Shifa International Hospital, where his family and personal doctors can be present to oversee his care. Gohar highlighted the importance of transparency and the presence of trusted medical professionals during such critical procedures.
Speaking to the press near Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, Gohar Ali Khan revealed that the government had initially mentioned a date for Imran’s medical check-up but failed to disclose that it would be conducted during nighttime hours. He was informed only after the procedure had been completed and Imran was returned to jail. Gohar criticized this approach, stating there is no valid reason to hinder the former premier’s treatment or restrict his meetings with family and doctors. He further remarked that if the government requests to be present during the treatment, it should not be treated as a matter of pride or ego but rather as a cooperative effort for Imran’s well-being.
PTI has been persistently demanding the transfer of Imran Khan to a hospital setting since last month, when reports surfaced revealing his diagnosis with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. The 74-year-old former premier has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions that his party and supporters claim are politically motivated and unjust. Despite his imprisonment, PTI continues to advocate for his right to receive adequate medical care under proper supervision.
Addressing concerns about the party’s stance on Imran’s situation, Gohar Ali Khan mentioned the internal discussions regarding the proposed ‘Imran Khan Release Force.’ He clarified that PTI remains committed to lawful and constitutional methods of political struggle, explicitly rejecting any form of armed resistance or militia formation. The party intends to raise its voice through peaceful protests, parliamentary debates, and legal channels, firmly believing that Pakistan’s challenges require political solutions rather than violence.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also voiced frustration over the secrecy surrounding Imran’s hospital visits. Speaking outside the Supreme Court, he questioned the rationale behind transporting the former prime minister to and from the hospital during the night. Ali Muhammad Khan pointed out that clandestine activities are typically associated with smugglers, not state institutions, and urged the government to be more transparent if Imran’s health condition genuinely necessitates such treatment. He insisted that prior communication with PTI leadership and family members would have prevented misunderstandings, noting that Imran’s personal doctors have always maintained a non-political stance.
On the government side, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced that Imran Khan is scheduled to receive a third injection on March 24. He confirmed that the second procedure at Pims was successfully completed and that Imran showed signs of improvement following the initial treatment. After receiving clearance from the medical team, the former premier was returned to Adiala jail. This update was shared via a post on X, reflecting the government’s attempt to provide some transparency regarding Imran’s medical care, though questions about the timing and secrecy of the treatment persist.
As this medical and political saga continues, the PTI remains steadfast in demanding full access to Imran Khan’s personal doctors and family members during his treatment. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition party, with healthcare and human rights concerns intertwining with broader political disputes. Observers note that ensuring proper medical care for a high-profile political figure like Imran Khan is not only a matter of health but also a test of the state’s commitment to transparency and fairness amid a highly charged political environment.
