ISLAMABAD: The recent medical evaluation and treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has become a subject of intense political debate, even though the doctors involved—both from his party and his personal medical team—have reportedly expressed full satisfaction with the care provided. Behind the scenes, the medical professionals overseeing Khan’s health praised the thoroughness and quality of the examination, highlighting a stark contrast between private approval and public controversy.
insiders, the medical team from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, which includes some of Khan’s trusted physicians, was highly impressed with the treatment administered at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). One of these doctors reportedly congratulated the PIMS team, saying, “You have done an amazing job,” reflecting confidence in the clinical approach and patient management. However, this positive feedback was not universally welcomed within all circles, as Aleema Khan, the former premier’s sister, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
Last Sunday, a detailed medical examination of Imran Khan was conducted by a team comprising two senior PIMS doctors alongside Dr. Nadeem Qureshi, a physician appointed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Following this thorough assessment, senior opposition figures such as Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan were briefed on the findings at PIMS. To ensure transparency and build trust, a 45-minute speakerphone consultation was arranged involving the examining doctors and two of Khan’s personal physicians from Shaukat Khanum—Dr. Khurram Mirza and Dr. Asim Yusuf—who enjoy the confidence of Khan’s family.
The conversation during this call was reportedly attended by multiple participants and carefully documented, with minutes made available to both medical teams. The Shaukat Khanum doctors expressed strong approval of the examination and treatment protocol, describing it as “very encouraging and satisfactory.” They commended the PIMS team for adhering to textbook standards in their investigative and therapeutic procedures, highlighting the professionalism and expertise demonstrated throughout the process.
Dr. Asim Yusuf, speaking on behalf of Imran Khan’s family, extended gratitude to the PIMS medical team and assured that the family would no longer question the medical management of Khan’s condition. The PTI-appointed doctors engaged in detailed discussions, asking numerous questions and reviewing medical summaries, test results, and treatment records with the patient’s consent. The dialogue covered all aspects of Khan’s health, including a noted slight elevation in cholesterol levels. When asked for further recommendations, the PTI doctors advised that no immediate medical intervention was necessary but suggested a follow-up reassessment during the next examination.
Meanwhile, Dr. Arif, a senior physician at PIMS, expressed frustration over earlier public allegations claiming that Khan was not receiving expert care. He emphasized his extensive experience, noting that he had administered similar treatments to over a thousand patients, thereby reinforcing the credibility of the current medical approach. Privately, PTI members and parliamentarians described the overall situation as “satisfactory,” reflecting a consensus within the party’s ranks about the adequacy of Khan’s treatment.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn the following morning when Dr. Asim Yusuf released a video message stating that he could neither confirm nor deny certain details about Khan’s condition, citing that he had not personally examined the former prime minister. This statement sowed confusion and uncertainty among the public and political observers, contradicting the earlier expressions of confidence and complicating the discourse surrounding Khan’s health.
Despite the apparent medical consensus, PTI sources indicated that plans for protests and sit-ins remained active, underscoring the political motivations intertwined with the health issue. Several senior opposition leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, were reportedly briefed on the doctors’ positive assessments. Yet, Aleema Khan’s role appeared to be counterproductive in calming tensions. She reportedly urged both the medical team and opposition leadership to maintain a firm stance, expressing displeasure when some leaders conveyed satisfaction with the medical findings.
The discord extended to public demonstrations, where tensions became visible during a protest sit-in. Aleema Khan and her sisters allegedly refrained from customary greetings with opposition leaders, a gesture interpreted as a sign of disapproval linked to the medical assessment. This interpersonal strain within the opposition coalition highlights the challenges of balancing political strategy with genuine concern for Khan’s health.
In summary, while documented minutes and private discussions indicate broad satisfaction with Imran Khan’s medical examination and treatment, conflicting statements from some party members and family representatives have fueled public mistrust and political controversy. This divide between private approval and public skepticism continues to shape the narrative around the former prime minister’s health, reflecting the complex interplay of medicine, politics, and personal dynamics in Pakistan’s current political landscape.
