In a significant development, imprisoned leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, to address serious issues surrounding the medical treatment of their party’s founder, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The letter, conveyed through their legal representative, highlights alarming restrictions imposed on Khan’s access to essential medical care, family visits, and legal counsel, calling for immediate judicial intervention to uphold his rights and ensure justice is served.
The correspondence was signed by prominent PTI figures including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mahmood-ur-Rashid. They collectively expressed deep concern over the repeated denial of Khan’s requests to consult with his personal physician, meet with family members, and communicate freely with his lawyers during his ongoing treatment. This appeal comes shortly after Khan underwent a second eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, where he is currently receiving care.
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and is battling a serious eye condition known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), which has severely impacted his vision. Medical reports submitted to the Supreme Court earlier this month revealed that Khan has lost nearly 85 percent of sight in his right eye, underscoring the urgency of proper medical attention. The PTI leaders’ letter underscores the critical nature of his condition and the need for uninterrupted access to specialized treatment and support.
Drawing a pointed comparison, the letter recalls the medical treatment provided to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2019. When Nawaz Sharif was hospitalized at Services Hospital in Lahore due to low platelet counts, the government ensured he received comprehensive medical care. His personal doctor, Dr Adnan, was present at all medical board meetings, and his family and legal team enjoyed unrestricted access. Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif was allowed to travel abroad to England for advanced treatment of his heart condition, where he had previously undergone medical procedures. The PTI leaders argue that such standards have not been met in Imran Khan’s case, highlighting a stark contrast in the treatment of political figures.
The letter accuses the current government of engaging in secretive and obstructive tactics, initially denying the severity of Khan’s illness and only acknowledging his CRVO diagnosis after media reports surfaced. It alleges that the authorities have deliberately limited the involvement of Khan’s medical consultants, restricted visits from his family and lawyers, and withheld timely information about his treatment procedures. For instance, the family was reportedly informed about the second eye injection only after it was administered, at an unusual hour around 2 a.m., raising questions about transparency and respect for patient rights.
Beyond medical concerns, the PTI leaders suggest that these actions are politically motivated, aimed at maintaining control amid a government they describe as lacking a genuine public mandate. They warn that such measures are designed to suppress dissent and prevent political instability by keeping Khan isolated and vulnerable. Their letter appeals directly to the Chief Justice to take cognizance of these issues and ensure that Imran Khan receives fair and lawful access to his personal doctor, legal representatives, and family members without further hindrance.
This appeal to the judiciary highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan and raises broader questions about human rights and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the judiciary’s response could set important precedents regarding the rights of incarcerated political leaders and the standards of medical care they are entitled to receive while in custody.
