The ongoing debate over the medical treatment of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan has once again exposed the uneasy overlap between politics and basic human rights in Pakistan. What should have been a straightforward matter of healthcare has instead become a contested narrative, with government officials, opposition leaders, and family members offering conflicting accounts that have only deepened public confusion.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently alleged that Mr Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, deliberately delayed her brother’s medical checkup for several days in order to politicize his health condition. According to the minister, her insistence on specific conditions for the examination was intended to prolong the issue and keep it in the public eye. While the opposition alliance quickly rejected these claims as misleading, some statements from PTI leaders appeared to partially align with the minister’s version, suggesting divisions within the party itself over how best to handle the matter.

Mr Khan’s sisters, however, presented a very different account in their own press conference. They insisted that their brother’s health was deteriorating and recalled that he had not received timely treatment for an eye condition he reported months earlier. They further claimed that the government had failed to honor commitments to transfer him to a private hospital and to allow access to doctors nominated by the family. Their narrative painted a picture of neglect and broken promises, contrasting sharply with the government’s portrayal.

The truth, as is often the case in politically charged situations, remains difficult to establish. What is clear, however, is that there is significant disagreement within PTI ranks about whether to trust the government’s handling of Mr Khan’s health or to insist on independent oversight. This internal discord has complicated the situation, leaving the public uncertain about what is actually happening behind prison walls.

The government, too, bears responsibility for the current mistrust. Officials initially denied that Mr Khan was facing any health issues, only for the truth to emerge after his visit to Pims in Islamabad was leaked to the press. Such mismanagement of communication has undermined confidence and given credence to the family’s concerns. By failing to provide transparent updates, the authorities have created space for speculation and suspicion, which they now struggle to contain.

Ultimately, the matter should not be reduced to political point-scoring. The health of any citizen, regardless of political affiliation, must be safeguarded with dignity and transparency. Mr Khan’s family has a legitimate right to demand clarity and involvement in his treatment, while the government has a duty to ensure that medical care is provided promptly and professionally. Respecting these rights would not only uphold basic humanitarian principles but also prevent further erosion of public trust.

The situation calls for restraint and responsibility from all sides. PTI and Mr Khan’s family must decide on a coherent approach, while the government must demonstrate openness and respect for their concerns. Ensuring that his sons are allowed to visit him and that his treatment is overseen transparently would go a long way in easing tensions. In the end, no one’s health should be held hostage to political rivalry.