Ministers cite security concerns and operational considerations; PTI protests ‘secrecy’ surrounding visit
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar addresses 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 assessment and administered the prescribed second dose for his eye ailment.
Responding to points raised during the Senate meeting, 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 provided in prison, but he was taken to the hospital in accordance with his wishes.
According to the minister, the board assessed his health through an eye medical assessment, heart examination and general medical examination.
He informed the House that Prof. Nadeem Qureshi, a retina expert from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, and Prof. Arif, Head of Ophthalmology at PIMS, were among the doctors involved in the consultation.
Following their assessment, the second dose related to his eye treatment was administered. Cardiologists also performed special tests, including an EKG and echocardiogram, while laboratory tests were performed to review his general health.
Tarar said that Imran Khan was taken to the hospital around 11:30 pm and returned to Adiala jail after completing all procedures.
He explained that the night schedule was chosen for safety and operational reasons, noting that security at the hospital could not be significantly increased during regular hours without disrupting emergency services and routine patient care.
He emphasized that the investigation was conducted strictly within the framework of the law and the prison manual, and reiterated that medical procedures for prisoners are subject to existing legal provisions and do not allow special arrangements outside prescribed rules.
He further clarified that matters relating to the release, bail or foreign travel of a convicted prisoner fall under 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, the Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary that 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 improvements in his vision after the first procedure and that all legal and humanitarian requirements were met during his transfer under strict security arrangements.
During the same Senate meeting, the Law Minister also responded to a query by Kamran Murtaza about compensation to the victims of the G-11 Kacheri blast.
He said senior officials, including the home minister, had immediately reached the spot and were monitoring the relief efforts. The wounded received closely monitored medical treatment while aid was provided in accordance with government policy.
On the Prime Minister’s instructions, a comprehensive compensation package had been approved to support the bereaved families and the injured.
Meanwhile, the PTI protested the “secrecy” surrounding the hospital visit.
In a statement on its official X account, the party said: “The situation calls for transparency, not secrecy.” It added that such “covert actions only raise more questions” and asked: “What are they hiding?”
