Ministers cite security concerns and operational considerations; PTI opposes the “secrecy” surrounding the visit
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar at a press conference in Islamabad on March 28, 2024. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday informed the Senate that PTI founder Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a follow-up medical examination, where a four-member board of specialist doctors conducted a detailed evaluation and administered the second dose prescribed for his eye condition.
Responding to the points raised during the Senate session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the former prime minister was shifted to PIMS with his consent and examined by a medical board comprising both government and private specialists.
He stated that the prison manual does not allow prisoners to be examined by doctors of their choice and clarified that the same treatment could have been given to him inside the prison, but he was transferred to the hospital according to his will.
According to the minister, the board evaluated his health through ophthalmological evaluation, cardiac evaluation and general medical check-up.
He informed the House that Prof Nadeem Qureshi, a retina expert at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, and Prof Arif, Head of Ophthalmology at PIMS, were among the doctors who participated in the consultation.
After his evaluation, the second dose related to ocular treatment was administered. Cardiologists also performed special tests, including ECG and echocardiogram, while laboratory investigations were carried out to check his general health status.
Tarar said Imran Khan was taken to the hospital around 11:30 pm and returned to Adiala jail after completing all procedures.
He explained that the overnight schedule was chosen due to operational and safety considerations, noting that security at the hospital could not be significantly increased during regular hours without disrupting emergency services and routine patient care.
He stressed that the examination was carried out strictly within the framework of the law and the prison manual, reiterating that medical procedures for prisoners are governed by existing legal provisions and do not allow special arrangements outside the prescribed rules.
He further clarified that issues relating to the release, bail or travel abroad of a convicted prisoner are within the jurisdiction of the courts. Citing Article 25 of the Constitution, he said the government remained committed to implementing legal provisions without discrimination.
In a related development, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the PTI founder is scheduled to receive his next injection on March 24 as part of his ongoing treatment plan.
He stated that doctors had reported an improvement in his vision after the first procedure and that all legal and humanitarian requirements were met during his transfer under strict security measures.
During the same Senate session, the Law Minister also responded to a question raised by Kamran Murtaza regarding compensation to the victims of the G-11 explosion in Kacheri.
He said senior officials, including the Interior Minister, quickly reached the scene and monitored relief efforts. The injured received closely supervised medical treatment and assistance was provided in accordance with government policy.
Following the Prime Minister’s directives, a comprehensive compensation package was approved to help the bereaved families and injured people.
Meanwhile, the PTI objected to the “secrecy” surrounding the hospital visit.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the party said: “The situation demands transparency, not secrecy.” He added that such “clandestine actions only give rise to more questions” and asked: “What are they hiding?”
