ISLAMABAD: Concerns over jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s health dominated proceedings in the Senate, with opposition lawmakers demanding access to the PTI founder for his family, lawyers and personal doctors, while government representatives maintained that his condition was stable.
The issue took precedence over the Senate’s scheduled agenda after the chairman allowed a debate on Imran Khan’s health at the request of the opposition leader. Members from both sides were subsequently given an opportunity to present their positions.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas expressed serious concern over Khan’s condition and demanded that access to the former prime minister be facilitated.
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, responding to the opposition’s concerns, said the information available to him indicated that Imran Khan’s health was stable.
He said Khan had suffered from an eye problem but had received treatment, adding that meetings were also taking place.
PTI Raises Blood Pressure Concerns
PTI Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand cited a report by the jail superintendent and said it showed that Imran Khan had a blood pressure issue.
He expressed concern that persistent high blood pressure could pose risks to the heart and kidneys and called for appropriate medical monitoring.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said Imran Khan and other prisoners had been convicted through the courts, adding that such matters had to proceed through the legal process.
PTI Senator Mashal Yousafzai, meanwhile, criticised the situation, saying a former prime minister who had given the country three hospitals was now seeking medical treatment himself.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticised PTI’s past position towards parliament but said the government’s offer for political negotiations remained open.
A brief exchange also took place during Yousafzai’s speech after Senator Anusha Rahman interrupted her. A subsequent remark by the PTI senator prompted Senator Nasir Butt to register his protest.
KP Chief Minister Calls Imran Khan Health Report ‘Alarming’
Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi described the official report concerning Imran Khan’s health as “extremely alarming” and demanded access for his family, lawyers and personal doctors.
Addressing an emergency press conference in Islamabad, Afridi said the latest report had caused concern because, according to him, Khan had not previously suffered from high blood pressure.
He claimed that whenever Khan’s personal doctors had checked his blood pressure in the past, it had been normal, whereas the latest official report indicated high blood pressure.
Afridi said the concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s health were genuine and demanded that any necessary treatment be provided under the supervision of his personal doctors and in the presence of his family.
PTI Demands Access for Family and Personal Doctors
The KP chief minister said PTI had been demanding independent medical access since concerns emerged about Imran Khan’s eye condition.
He called for Khan to be examined by his personal physicians and, if required, treated at an appropriate hospital under their supervision.
Afridi also demanded that meetings with Khan’s family and lawyers be facilitated, describing the request as a legal and constitutional right rather than a demand for extraordinary relief.
He appealed to the judiciary to intervene in the matter and ensure access for Khan’s family, lawyers and doctors.
The chief minister said a three-member bench was due to hear a case concerning Imran Khan, while the following day was also scheduled for meetings. He urged authorities to ensure that the former prime minister’s family and lawyers were permitted to see him.
Afridi said Khan’s personal doctors, family, lawyers and PTI leadership would consult before deciding their next course of action.
He maintained that access for family members was particularly important because they could independently assess Khan’s condition and inform the public about his health.
The competing claims from the government and opposition have brought Imran Khan’s health and access in prison back to the centre of Pakistan’s political debate.
While PTI and the KP government are pressing for access by Khan’s family, lawyers and personal doctors, government representatives maintain that the former prime minister has received medical treatment and that his condition is stable.
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