ImranKhan – Family Raises Alarm Over Jail Health Concerns

ImranKhan – More than two years after his arrest, former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains behind bars, and his family says his health is becoming an urgent matter. His sister, Aleema Khanum, has publicly criticized the authorities over what she describes as inadequate medical care and restrictions on family involvement in decisions about his treatment.

Khan has been incarcerated for over 800 days at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. According to his relatives, his physical condition has declined during this period, prompting repeated requests for specialized medical attention outside the prison facility.

Dispute Over Independent Medical Examination

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Aleema Khanum said the family’s position has remained consistent from the outset. She insisted that Khan should be evaluated and treated by specialist doctors at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, in the presence of his personal physician, Dr. Asim Yousaf, and a designated family representative.

She claimed that the government declined the first specialist proposed by their medical team, after which alternative names were submitted. The family initially nominated Uzma Khan as their representative but were informed that Khan’s sisters would not be permitted to attend. Subsequently, they proposed their cousin, Nausherwan Burki, as an alternative.

According to Aleema, both names were rejected by authorities. She questioned why qualified medical professionals from within the family were being denied permission to be present during examinations, saying the repeated refusals have deepened their concerns about transparency.

Supreme Court Order and Medical Board Formation

The controversy follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Khan’s health. The court’s instruction came after Khan reportedly stated on February 12 that his right eye had lost most of its vision, retaining only around 15 percent functionality.

The court also allowed him to speak with his children before February 16, acknowledging his request during proceedings.

A team of doctors subsequently visited Adiala Jail on Sunday to carry out an examination. Sources familiar with the matter told Dawn newspaper that the check-up, focused primarily on his eyesight, lasted approximately an hour.

Confusion Over Possible Hospital Transfer

Speculation about a potential hospital transfer further complicated the situation. Government officials had indicated a day earlier that Khan might be moved to a medical facility for further evaluation. However, no such transfer had taken place by Sunday afternoon.

At around 3:45 pm, Khan’s sister Noreen Khanum posted on X that an ambulance had arrived at the jail, suggesting preparations for a hospital shift. She emphasized that any transfer without the presence or consultation of family members and Khan’s personal doctors would be unacceptable.

Soon after, the jail superintendent dismissed the reports of a transfer as unfounded. He clarified that the ambulance was part of routine arrangements related to the medical examination and not evidence of an imminent relocation.

“The medical team will complete its assessment, conduct necessary tests, and determine whether hospitalization is required or if treatment can continue within the jail,” the superintendent said.

Details of the Examination

According to individuals aware of the visit, a five-member medical team carried out a detailed eye examination. In addition to assessing his vision, the doctors collected blood samples and checked his blood pressure as part of a broader evaluation.

Officials have stated that the medical board will review the findings before making a recommendation regarding further treatment. For now, Khan remains at Adiala Jail as discussions continue over the next steps.

The situation has once again brought attention to the legal and medical aspects of high-profile detentions in Pakistan, with both the family and authorities presenting sharply differing accounts of how Khan’s health concerns are being managed.