PTI Raises Alarm Over Imran Khan’s Health, Seeks Implementation of Court Orders
The party’s core committee has urged the chief justice to ensure medical access for the former prime minister and called for his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
PTI raises concern over Imran Khan’s health and demands medical access.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) core committee has expressed serious concern over Imran Khan’s health in prison. It has urged the chief justice of Pakistan to ensure the effective implementation of court orders concerning his medical treatment.
The committee met on Thursday, with discussions continuing late into the night. The meeting followed reports that Imran’s blood pressure had recently reached 192.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the party cited concerns over medical facilities and alleged restrictions on Imran’s access to family members and personal physicians.
The committee also received a briefing about Imran’s recent meeting with his lawyer, Salman Safdar. It described reports about his blood pressure as “extremely alarming”.
PTI Demands Medical Access and Hospital Transfer
The committee unanimously called the protection of Imran’s health and life an urgent humanitarian issue. It said authorities must not allow negligence or delays in his treatment.
The party demanded immediate and unrestricted access for Imran’s personal physicians. It also called for all necessary medical examinations and diagnostic tests without delay.
Furthermore, the committee demanded his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for a complete medical evaluation and treatment.
Imran has remained in prison since August 2023. The committee said continued concerns about his health made further delays unacceptable.
It also appealed to Pakistanis, including overseas citizens, to raise their voices over his health and treatment. The statement urged the public to highlight the matter at national and international forums.
Appeal to Chief Justice Over Court Orders
The PTI core committee appealed to the chief justice to ensure that authorities implement court orders concerning Imran’s medical treatment.
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It described compliance with judicial orders as a constitutional and legal responsibility. The statement said government and administrative bodies could not evade that responsibility.
The committee also urged PTI lawmakers, party organisations and office-bearers to raise the issue in Parliament, provincial assemblies and other relevant forums.
PTI Raises Concern Over Shah Mahmood Qureshi
The meeting also discussed an incident involving jailed PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The committee expressed concern over his reported fall and its impact on his health. It called on the courts, government and prison administration to arrange his immediate transfer to a hospital.
The party also demanded a complete medical examination and necessary treatment for Qureshi.
Imran Khan’s Medical History and Supreme Court Orders
Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023. Concerns about his health have intensified during his detention.
His eye condition, identified as right central retinal vein occlusion, came to light in late January. He has since been taken to hospital several times for medical attention.
On August 18, the Supreme Court directed the government to transfer him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The order followed a health report submitted by the superintendent of Adiala Jail, where Imran remains imprisoned.
The jail administration told the court that it provided adequate healthcare facilities. It also said the authorities considered the health and well-being of prisoners a priority.
However, an annexure to the report recorded concerns raised during a medical examination by Dr Akhtar Ali Bandeshah of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on August 1.
The doctor noted complaints of fluctuating and uncontrolled blood pressure, palpitations, headaches and restlessness.
According to the report, Imran partly linked his symptoms and stress to infrequent meetings with his wife, family and social contacts. He also cited the absence of newspapers and television.
On August 10, a medical board comprising PIMS specialists examined him after he reported heaviness in his head and palpitations.
The board recommended a daily one-hour walk and a more relaxed prison routine. It also advised access to newspapers, magazines, television and books.
Moreover, the board recommended more frequent interaction with his immediate family or spouse. It said such contact could help manage his anxiety and blood pressure.
Dispute Over Implementation of Hospital Transfer Order
Following the medical assessments, the Supreme Court ordered Imran’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
However, the government took him to PIMS instead and later returned him to prison.
At the time, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar attributed the diversion to the security situation. He alleged that PTI workers had created security concerns on the route to and outside the hospital.
The PTI rejected that explanation. The party accused the government of deliberately failing to follow the court’s order.
The latest statement adds to the party’s demands for medical access and compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
