The Senate was informed that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for an eye procedure on his own request.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar shared these details while addressing the upper house of parliament. He clarified that the former prime minister’s health remained stable throughout the treatment.
According to the minister, the required medical procedure could have been performed at the Adiala Jail hospital. However, Imran Khan personally requested treatment at PIMS instead.
As a result, authorities approved his transfer to the federal medical facility.
Transfer Timing Suggested by Imran Khan Himself
The law minister further explained that Imran Khan advised authorities on the timing of his transfer. He reportedly warned that a daytime move could create law and order concerns.
Therefore, he suggested being shifted during evening hours. Consequently, the authorities followed this recommendation to avoid potential security issues.
Meanwhile, the minister dismissed speculation surrounding the transfer and described the process as transparent.
Eye Procedure Successful, No Surgery Involved
Addressing health concerns, Tarar confirmed that the medical procedure was completed successfully. He emphasized that it involved an injection rather than a surgical operation.
Moreover, no complications were reported after the procedure. Doctors also confirmed that Imran Khan’s condition remained stable.
Thus, the Senate was assured that there was no medical emergency linked to the transfer.
Political Controversy Surrounding Treatment
Despite official clarifications, the procedure sparked political debate. PTI representatives claimed that Imran Khan’s family and party leadership were not informed beforehand.
Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi questioned the quality of treatment at PIMS. He alleged that the hospital lacked a retina specialist.
However, the law minister did not support this claim and stood by the treatment provided.
Government Denies Any Medical Restrictions
The federal minister strongly rejected allegations of medical neglect. He stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued no instructions to restrict Imran Khan’s access to healthcare.
Instead, he stressed that the government respected human rights and lawful medical care.
To support his argument, Tarar recalled a past arrest involving Rana Sanaullah. He noted that Sanaullah was denied access to a jail doctor under the previous government.
By comparison, he said, Imran Khan was provided medical treatment as requested.
Senate Given Assurances on Health and Rights
In conclusion, the Senate was assured that Imran Khan’s treatment followed legal procedures. His health remained stable, and no complications were observed.
The government maintained that medical care was neither delayed nor denied. Therefore, officials urged restraint from spreading misinformation.
