LONDON/ISLAMABAD – PTI chief Imran Khan remained in global headlines over his health and prison treatment and now BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson publicly urged Pakistani authorities to ensure the jailed PTI founder receives proper medical care.
Simpson, who claimed meeting Imran Khan several times, said the former premier’s treatment behind bars was becoming a matter of international concern and warned that it could further damage Pakistan’s image abroad. His post comes just days after the Supreme Court ordered authorities to arrange a comprehensive medical examination for Khan, amid persistent concerns over his eyesight and access to specialist healthcare.
Cricketer-turned-politician was eventually taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad in the early hours of Friday. A medical team including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology and general medicine examined him before authorities declared him medically fit and returned him to Adiala Jail. But instead of bringing the issue to a close, the hospital episode has triggered a new political storm.
Apex Court directed that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital, where he was to receive medical attention under a specialised panel. The court’s directions also provided for the involvement of his personal physician and sister in his medical care, along with greater access to his family. The government, however, challenged the order and argued that Khan could receive treatment at a government hospital. Authorities ultimately took him to PIMS, citing security concerns.
The dramatic security arrangements around Shifa had already attracted attention, with police and armoured vehicles deployed around the hospital as supporters and journalists gathered in the area. Khan never arrived there. Instead, he was taken to PIMS, examined for several hours and then sent back to prison.
The decision has intensified accusations from Khan’s family and PTI, who argue that the Supreme Court’s directions were not followed in their intended form.
PTI indicated that it may approach the courts over the alleged non-implementation of the order, while Khan’s family has continued to raise concerns about his medical condition and prison treatment.
The government has rejected allegations of medical neglect and mistreatment, saying Khan has received repeated medical examinations and that doctors have not identified a condition requiring emergency treatment. Officials have also disputed claims surrounding his prison conditions.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Khan’s health is his eyesight. His legal team has previously claimed that he suffered severe deterioration in vision in his right eye while in prison. The government has disputed aspects of those claims and maintained that his medical condition has been monitored.
Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023. His imprisonment followed a series of cases and convictions, which he and his supporters have repeatedly described as politically motivated. His imprisonment has repeatedly triggered political tensions and protests, while questions surrounding his health have now become another flashpoint between PTI and the government.
