Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday accused opposition figures of politicising the health of jailed PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, saying the government had ensured transparent and responsible medical care in accordance with the law.
Addressing a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi rejected what he described as misinformation circulating on social media regarding Khan’s eye condition. He said the former premier had been taken to hospital for an eye injection as a precautionary measure and that the procedure was routine.
“This was an ordinary procedure that had to be done. Doctors were already conducting check-ups. The injection was administered at the hospital to avoid any risk of infection or complications,” he said, adding that all prisoners are entitled to medical treatment under the law.
Medical briefing and opposition response
Naqvi said members of the National Assembly and Senate, along with other representatives, visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and met treating doctors for around 90 minutes. He added that doctors also consulted Khan’s personal physicians by phone and answered detailed questions about the treatment plan.
The minister alleged that a medical check-up had been delayed by three days due to objections from family members and opposition leaders, specifically naming Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. He claimed that while political leaders were largely in agreement, certain individuals vetoed arrangements.
Separately, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said on social media that Khan’s treatment would continue in phases under the supervision of senior doctors in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He reiterated that no negligence would be tolerated and that the state was responsible for the health of all prisoners.
The developments come amid growing concern over Khan’s eyesight. The Supreme Court had directed the formation of a medical team to examine his condition and ordered that telephonic contact with his children be facilitated before February 16. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that access to specialist ophthalmologists and calls with his sons would be arranged.
A government-constituted medical board later reported improvement in Khan’s right eye vision after examination at Adiala Jail. According to the report, unaided right eye vision was recorded at 6/24 (partial), improving to 6/9 (partial) with glasses. The left eye measured 6/9 unaided and 6/6 with glasses. The board also noted mild vitreous and moderate retinal haemorrhage in the right eye, with macular swelling reduced from 550 to 350 microns.
However, PTI leaders and Khan’s family questioned the transparency of the medical process and demanded access for independent evaluation. Aleema Khan said the family rejected the report prepared by jail-appointed doctors and insisted that he be examined at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal physician.
An opposition sit-in outside Parliament House entered its fifth day, with coalition spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai saying the protest aimed to secure access for at least one family member or party representative to meet Khan and address concerns over his health.
Security situation in K-P and Balochistan
During the same press conference, Naqvi also spoke about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Referring to recent incidents in Bajaur and Shangla, he said the threat of terrorism was increasing and stressed the need for political unity.
He acknowledged the role of K-P police in counterterrorism operations but said broader political alignment was necessary to effectively address the challenge. The minister also expressed concern about unrest in Balochistan and warned against attempts to incite instability through digital platforms.
Naqvi accused India of acting as a proxy behind recent attacks, alleging that efforts were under way to raise the issue at international forums.
PTI rejects minister’s remarks
In response, PTI criticised Naqvi’s press conference and rejected what it termed a “misleading narrative” regarding Khan’s health. The party said concerns about his condition were legitimate and questioned the adequacy of medical oversight in custody.
PTI maintained that decisions regarding Khan’s medical care were made in consultation with his family and senior leadership. The party reiterated its demand for the presence of Khan’s personal physician during any medical examination and described participation in examinations conducted solely by government-appointed doctors as unacceptable.
Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed speculation about any political “deal” related to Khan’s cases, saying the matters were before the courts and subject to legal proceedings.
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