LAHORE: Senior jailed leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have written to Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, expressing serious concerns over alleged obstruction to medical, legal, and family access for party founder Imran Khan, and urging the judiciary to ensure justice in his treatment.
The letter, sent through PTI’s lawyer, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, was signed by Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mahmood-ur-Rashid. They claimed that Imran Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, has repeatedly been denied access to his personal doctor, family members, and legal counsel.
Eye Condition and Alleged Obstruction
- Imran Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), resulting in roughly 85% vision loss in his right eye.
- He recently received a second eye injection at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad.
- PTI leaders alleged that his family and personal lawyer were informed of the procedure only after it was completed, around 2 a.m.
Comparison with Nawaz Sharif’s Treatment
The PTI letter highlighted a perceived disparity by comparing the situation with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s 2019 medical care:
- Nawaz Sharif’s personal physician attended all medical board meetings.
- His family and legal counsel had full access.
- He was permitted to travel abroad for medical treatment.
In contrast, the PTI leaders alleged that the current government restricted access, initially denied reports of Imran’s illness, and later issued statements only after media coverage of his CRVO diagnosis.
Imran Khan’s Sisters Criticise PTI Leadership Over ‘Silence’
Allegations Against the Government
The letter accused the government of:
- Engaging in “cloak-and-dagger” conduct.
- Ignoring Imran Khan’s treatment rights.
- Deliberately creating obstacles to retain political control.
PTI Leaders’ Appeal
The jailed leaders requested the Chief Justice to:
- Take notice of the matter.
- Ensure Imran Khan receives proper access to his personal doctor, legal counsel, and family members, in accordance with the law.
This move underscores ongoing tensions over the treatment of Imran Khan in custody and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding his legal and medical rights.
