Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged the government to give PTI founder Imran Khan “fair treatment.” He also recalled Khan’s role as his friend, mentor and leader.
Akram made the comments during the “Old Boys, New Balls” podcast, co-hosted by former England captain Ian Botham. He also thanked international cricket captains who recently signed a petition supporting Khan.
“We would like to thank all the captains that recently signed a petition for Imran,” Akram said.
Wasim Akram Recalls Imran Khan’s Leadership
Speaking about his former captain, Akram said he missed Khan as both a friend and mentor. He added that people also missed him as a leader.
Akram noted that the public had not seen Khan’s picture for three years. He also expressed hope that the former prime minister would be released soon.
The former fast bowler was a key member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad under Khan. Therefore, he called for Khan to receive treatment similar to other politicians in the past.
Akram also said the nation remained behind the former prime minister.
Former Captains Raise Concerns Over Khan’s Treatment
Akram’s comments came weeks after 21 former international cricket captains renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They called for Khan to receive medical care according to Supreme Court directives.
On August 18, a three-member Supreme Court bench ordered Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital. The court gave authorities two days to arrange his medical assessment and treatment. However, authorities instead took Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Doctors from Shifa International Hospital also participated in his examination.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan’s sister and doctors attended the examination. A specialist team, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, declared him “medically fit.”
PTI later filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court. The party alleged that authorities violated the court’s transfer order.
Khan, 73, has remained in jail since August 2023 after convictions in several cases. He and PTI maintain that the cases are politically motivated.
