Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has called on the authorities to ensure “fair treatment” for former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, saying he misses his former captain as a friend, mentor and leader.
Akram made the comments while appearing on the Old Boys, New Balls podcast, co-hosted by former England captain Ian Botham. The legendary fast bowler also thanked former international cricket captains who have recently renewed their appeal regarding Khan’s situation.
Imran Khan, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. Khan and his party have consistently maintained that the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated.
Wasim Akram Says He Misses Imran Khan
Reflecting on his relationship with his former captain, Akram said he feels for Imran and misses him not only as a friend but also as a mentor and leader.
“I feel for skipper, I miss him as a friend, I miss him as a mentor, we miss him as a leader,” Akram said.
He also referred to the absence of public images of Khan in recent years, saying that people had not seen a picture of him for a long period.
Akram urged the government to treat Khan fairly, saying other politicians had received such treatment in the past.
He expressed hope that the situation would improve soon, adding that he believed the nation was standing behind the former prime minister.
Former Captains Renew Appeal Over Khan’s Treatment
Akram’s remarks came weeks after 21 former international cricket captains reportedly renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning medical treatment for the incarcerated PTI founder.
The appeal followed a Supreme Court order issued on August 18.
A three-member Supreme Court bench directed Adiala jail authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital for medical assessment and treatment within two days.
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However, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Khan was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present.
Tarar said Khan’s sister and his doctors were present during the medical examination. He added that a team of qualified specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed assessment and declared Khan “medically fit.”
PTI Challenges Hospital Transfer Decision
Following the government’s decision regarding the location of Khan’s medical examination, PTI filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court.
The party alleged that the government had failed to comply with the court’s directions concerning Khan’s transfer for medical treatment.
The dispute has added another dimension to the broader legal and political tensions surrounding the former prime minister, who has remained behind bars while facing multiple cases.
Imran Khan’s Political Journey
Before entering politics, Imran Khan enjoyed a celebrated international cricket career and led Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup victory. Wasim Akram was one of the key members of that team.
After retiring from cricket, Khan entered politics and eventually became prime minister in 2018.
His government was removed from office in April 2022 after he lost a parliamentary no-confidence vote amid a major political crisis.
Since then, Khan has faced multiple legal cases involving corruption and other allegations. His supporters and PTI leadership have repeatedly rejected the allegations as politically motivated, while authorities have maintained that the cases are being dealt with through the legal system.
Akram’s latest comments bring a prominent voice from Pakistan’s cricketing world into the continuing debate over Khan’s treatment.
For the former Pakistan captain, however, the issue is also personal. Recalling his former teammate and captain, Akram said he misses Imran Khan as a friend and mentor and wants him to receive the same fair treatment afforded to other political leaders.
