ISLAMABAD:
Amid a grueling blame game between the government and the embattled PTI, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday criticized what he described as the “politicization” of the jailed PTI founder’s health, accusing “certain people” of exploiting the issue for political purposes.
Imran Khan, 73, has been in prison since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges, one of dozens of cases he and his party say were fabricated to keep him out of politics, a charge the government denies.
Khan was taken to PIMS earlier this month for a “20-minute eye procedure” but the visit was kept secret, sparking media speculation and deepening concerns among his party leaders and his family members.
Dismissing what he called “misinformation” on social media about Khan’s health, the home minister urged the public to trust “verified reports” rather than “propaganda” which he said had caused unnecessary panic and anxiety. He added that the government and medical teams had acted responsibly and transparently in providing treatment to the former prime minister.
Briefing the media about Khan’s medical care and living conditions amid concerns about his eyesight, Naqvi claimed that the jailed PTI founder had been taken to the hospital for an eye injection under strict medical precautions.
“This was a routine procedure. Doctors were already carrying out regular checks. The injection was administered in the hospital as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk of infection or complications,” he said, adding that all prisoners have the right to receive medical treatment according to the law.
Naqvi claimed that opposition leaders from the National Assembly and Senate, along with other representatives, visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and met for almost an hour and a half with the doctors who treated Khan.
He said the doctors also consulted Imran Khan’s personal doctors over the phone for 45 minutes, answered detailed questions and described the treatment as “excellent” and “the best possible care.”
According to Naqvi, the medical check-up was delayed for three days due to opposition and family objections, specifically for naming Imran’s sister Aleema Khan.
“Aleema Khan told the party members that if we agree to everything, the issue will lose momentum. Due to these vetoes, the medical check-up was delayed by three days. On one hand, they express their sympathy, on the other, politics is being played,” he said.
Naqvi alleged that some people were trying to gain political advantage by exaggerating the situation. “Most political leaders were in agreement, but Aleema Khan repeatedly vetoed the decisions. When all the facts were presented, they were present, but they still tried to take advantage of the issue,” he added.
He reiterated that Imran Khan’s medical care was being handled in accordance with legal requirements and standard procedures.
The developments come amid growing concerns about Imran Khan’s eyesight deteriorating in custody. During recent proceedings, the Chief Justice of Pakistan observed that all prisoners, including Imran, should be provided with the same medical facilities and that health concerns take priority.
The top court ordered formation of a medical team to examine his eye condition and directed authorities to ensure telephone contact with his children by February 16.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the court that access to ophthalmologists would be provided and phone calls with his sons, Qasim and Salman, would be facilitated.
Lawyer Salman Safdar, acting as amicus curiae, reported that Imran had experienced a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye and retained only 15% of vision despite previous treatment.
Meanwhile, a sit-in outside Parliament entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with party leaders and family members demanding access to the jailed PTI founder amid growing health concerns.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai said the protest, which began on Friday, sought permission for at least one family member or party representative to meet Imran and dispel rumors about his condition.
Aleema Khan reiterated that the family rejected the medical report issued by the designated doctors in the jail and insisted that he be examined at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal doctor. He said a press conference would be held after the meeting.
Separately, Naqvi addressed the deteriorating security situation, citing the recent terrorist attacks in Bajaur and Shangla districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“The fire of terrorism is rising in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Incidents are happening daily. The KP government must intensify its attention. The police are fighting well, but without unified political leadership, no campaign can succeed,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the unrest in Balochistan and warned that attempts to destabilize governance or incite unrest, particularly through digital platforms, were against public interest.
Naqvi accused India of acting as a proxy behind the recent terror attacks, alleging a strategy of “posing as victims while orchestrating violence.” He added that Islamabad was raising the issue on international platforms to “counter this tactic”.
The Minister of the Interior urged political actors to act responsibly. “There are sensible voices everywhere, but they are often not heard. The public must decide whether to support reason or those who fuel tension,” he said.
