Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday said that PTI founder Imran Khan would be taken to any medical facility of his choice for treatment, amid concerns about his eyesight. He assured that there would be “no negligence” in addressing the jailed leader’s health issues.
His remarks came a day after the Supreme Court of Pakistan was informed that Imran had only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye, drawing a sharp reaction from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Chaudhry said Imran would be taken wherever he preferred for a check-up. “If he wants to go to Al-Shifa Eye Trust, he will be taken there. There will be no negligence in the matter,” he said, adding that any doctor recommended by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi would also be considered.
He urged the opposition not to politicise the matter, calling it a sensitive medical issue. The minister said Imran would be examined by specialist eye doctors and assured that every possible treatment option would be explored.
Dismissing claims of a sudden deterioration in Imran’s vision, Chaudhry said no such complaints were raised during previous meetings with family members or during earlier medical examinations. He recalled that on January 16, a doctor had advised shifting Imran to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for an eye check-up, but alleged that the transfer did not take place at PTI’s request rather than due to government action.
He added that after a procedure on January 24, doctors had issued a medical report, while another account was later submitted by PTI’s lawyer, Advocate Salman Safdar, to the apex court. A fresh medical report would be issued soon, he said, noting that the chief justice was personally overseeing the case.
On Thursday, a two-member bench headed by CJP Afridi ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Imran’s eye and directed authorities to facilitate phone calls between the former premier and his children before February 16.
Opposition stages protest
Meanwhile, PTI leaders reached Parliament ahead of a sit-in announced over concerns about Imran’s health. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said lawmakers managed to reach Parliament despite obstacles. He was joined by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Shahram Khan Tarakai and Shandana Gulzar.
Qaiser said the group discussed the current situation and future strategy. Earlier, Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar had alleged that roads leading to Parliament were blocked and that parliamentary lodge gates were shut to prevent opposition lawmakers from protesting.
Chaudhry, however, maintained that the opposition had the right to protest and denied that any blockade was ordered by the government. He reiterated that the government had repeatedly assured there would be no negligence regarding Imran’s health.
PTI seeks written court orders
Separately, PTI called on the chief justice to issue formal written directions to ensure Imran’s examination by specialists and treatment under his personal doctors at Shifa International Hospital.
Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, said the family had yet to receive written orders from the court and stressed that the directive could not be implemented without them. She questioned the delay, citing the urgency of the matter and the risk to his eyesight.
Opposition parties, including Awaam Pakistan led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, also announced support for the TTAP sit-in outside Parliament, terming the denial of timely medical care to any prisoner “immoral, inhumane and illegal”.