ISLAMABAD:
Amid a grueling blame game between the government and the embattled PTI, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday slammed what he described as the “politicization” of the jailed PTI founder’s health, accusing “certain people” of exploiting the issue for political ends.
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 made up 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 raising concerns among his party leaders and family members.
The home minister rejected what he termed “misinformation” on social media about Khan’s health, urging the public to trust “verified reports” rather than “propaganda” which, he said, had whipped up 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 treatment and living conditions amid concerns over his eyesight, Naqvi claimed that the jailed PTI founder had been taken to hospital for an eye injection under strict medical precautions.
“This was a routine procedure. The doctors were already doing regular checks. The injection was given at the hospital as a precaution to avoid any risk of infection or complications,” he said, adding that all prisoners have the right to medical treatment under the law.
Naqvi stated that opposition leaders from the National Assembly and the 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, answering detailed questions and describing the treatment as “excellent” and “the best possible care.”
According to Naqvi, the medical check-up had been delayed for three days due to opposition and family objections, specifically naming Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan.
“Aleema Khan told party members that if we agree on everything, the issue will lose momentum. Due to such vetoes, the medical check-up was delayed for three days. On one hand, they are expressing sympathy; on the other hand, politics are being played over the matter,” he said.
Naqvi alleged that some people were trying to gain political mileage by exaggerating the situation. “Most political leaders were on board, but Aleema Khan repeatedly vetoed decisions. When all the facts were presented, they were present, yet they still sought to exploit the issue,” he added.
He reiterated that Imran Khan’s medical treatment was handled in accordance with legal requirements and standard procedures.
The development comes amid growing concern over Imran Khan’s deteriorating eyesight in custody. During recent trials, the Chief Justice of Pakistan noted that all prisoners, including Imran, must have equal medical facilities and that health concerns take precedence.
The Supreme Court ordered the formation of a medical team to examine his eye condition and directed the authorities to ensure telephonic contact with his children by February 16.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the bench that access to ophthalmologists would be provided and phone calls with his sons, Qasim and Salman, would be facilitated.
Barrister 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% vision despite previous treatment.
Meanwhile, a sit-in outside Parliament House entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with party leaders and family members demanding access to the jailed PTI founder amid mounting health concerns.
TTAP spokesman 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 prison-appointed doctors and insisted that he be examined at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal doctor. She said a press conference would be held after such a meeting.
Separately, Naqvi addressed the worsening security situation with reference to recent terrorist attacks in Bajaur and Shangla districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“The fire of terrorism is increasing in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Incidents are happening daily. KP government must intensify its focus. Police are fighting well, but without united 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, especially through digital platforms, were against public interest.
Naqvi accused India of acting as a proxy behind the recent terror attacks, alleging a strategy of “impersonating victims while orchestrating violence.” He added that Islamabad was raising the issue at international platforms to “counter this tactic.”
The Home Minister called on political stakeholders to act responsibly. “Reasonable voices are everywhere, but they are often unheard. The public must decide whether to stand with reason or with those who incite tension,” he said.
