A big news has come out from the political and judicial corridors of Pakistan. The market of discussions has once again become heated regarding the health of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who has been behind the bars for a long time. Imran Khan, 74, was taken out of Rawalpindi's high-security Adiala jail to a major government hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment of a serious eye problem, news agency PTI reported. This entire incident was kept very confidential and in the silence of midnight, he was taken to the hospital amidst heavy police force and tight security of security agencies. It is noteworthy that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, is in jail since 2023. More than 100 cases are registered against him including serious charges like corruption, misappropriation of government gifts, leaking confidential documents and inciting violence across the country. Presently he is serving his sentence and judicial custody in Rawalpindi's Central Jail i.e. Adiala Jail. According to the information, some problem suddenly arose in Imran Khan's right eye in the month of January this year, after which he is undergoing regular treatment under the supervision of specialist doctors. Eye examination done at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), sent back to jail at around 2:30 in the night. Pakistan's prestigious English daily 'Dawn' newspaper has shared the detailed details of this entire medical procedure quoting a senior official of the hospital. The official confirmed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was brought to Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a detailed eye examination and further treatment plan. Tight security arrangements were made at the hospital premises even before his arrival and movement of the general public was completely restricted in that area to avoid any untoward situation or gathering of supporters. According to information released by the hospital administration, a team of senior ophthalmologists and general physicians from PIMS examined Imran Khan's eyes as well as his overall health. During the examination, all his vital health parameters including blood pressure, heart rate and sugar were found to be completely normal. Doctors clarified that he was medically stable and his general physical examination did not reveal anything worrisome or emergency. After completion of the necessary tests and treatment, he was discharged from the hospital around 2:30 am and necessary medical instructions were handed over to the jail administration for further care, medicines and regular follow-up, after which he was sent back to Adiala Jail. PTI and family adamant on the demand of shifting to a private hospital, government officials claimed improvement in lighting. There is a continuous tussle and allegations and counter-allegations between the ruling government of Pakistan and the opposition party PTI regarding the health of Imran Khan and the arrangements for his treatment. On one hand, top leaders of Imran Khan's political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and their family members have repeatedly said that they are not getting adequate and modern medical facilities in the jail. There is a clear demand of the party and the family that in view of the sensitive condition of his eyes and his increasing age, he should be shifted to a reputed private hospital for better treatment, where his personal doctors should also be allowed to examine him. On the other hand, Pakistan's government officials and prison administration have completely rejected all these allegations of the opposition and have defended the government medical system. Government officials claim that the former Prime Minister is being provided the best possible medical services within the ambit of the prison manual and law. Officials stressed that after the treatment under the supervision of specialist doctors of the government hospital, Imran Khan's eyesight and condition have improved significantly compared to before, hence there is no need to shift him to any private hospital. At present, after this incident, security arrangements have been made more alert in Adiala Jail and around Islamabad.
