ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to shift former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital for urgent medical treatment and constitute a medical board to oversee his care, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking to the media, the minister said the decision was taken purely on humanitarian grounds, stressing that Imran’s medical care is being handled without political considerations. He also confirmed that the PTI founder had been allowed to speak to his sons by telephone.
The PML-N-led federal government stated that Imran will receive specialised treatment for his right eye at a dedicated medical facility under the supervision of senior ophthalmologists. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said a detailed medical report would be submitted to the Supreme Court and urged political stakeholders to avoid speculation.
According to reports, Imran’s right eye has retained only 15 percent vision following delays in treatment. He has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition commonly associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular complications. Last month, he underwent a specialised procedure at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, which was successfully completed under strict medical supervision.
His sister, Aleema Khanum, confirmed that Imran recently spoke to his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, in a 20-minute phone call, describing the interaction as “extremely uplifting.” She stressed the need for immediate specialist care at Shifa International Hospital to prevent permanent vision loss.
Opposition Protests Intensify
Meanwhile, opposition parties including PTI and Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) have staged sit-ins at Parliament House, KP House, and Parliament Lodges, demanding Imran’s immediate transfer to hospital and access for at least one family member.
Leaders such as TTAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senator Ali Zafar, and former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur have called for urgent medical intervention.
PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja said the delay in hospital transfer was affecting party workers’ morale, while Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas termed Parliament House “a prison,” criticising restrictions on opposition leaders.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi urged protesters to remain peaceful, emphasising that Imran’s health must take precedence over politics. TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that protests would continue until Imran receives proper treatment and family access is granted.
The situation continues to evolve as political tensions rise alongside growing concerns over the former premier’s health.
