Ministers cite security concerns and operational considerations; PTI objects to ‘secrecy’ surrounding visit
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar addressing a press conference in Islamabad on March 28, 2024. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday informed the Senate that PTI founder Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a follow-up medical examination, where a four-member board of specialist doctors conducted a detailed assessment and administered the prescribed second dose for his eye condition.
Responding to points raised during the Senate session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the former prime minister was shifted to PIMS with his consent and examined by a medical board comprising both government and private specialists.
He stated that the jail manual does not allow prisoners to be examined by doctors of their own choosing and clarified that the same treatment could have been provided inside jail, but he was taken to the hospital in accordance with his wishes.
According to the minister, the board evaluated his health through ophthalmological assessment, cardiac evaluation and general medical review.
He informed the House that Prof. Nadeem Qureshi, a retinal expert from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, and Prof. Arif, Head of Ophthalmology at PIMS, were among the doctors involved in the consultation.
Following their assessment, the second dose related to his eye treatment was administered. Cardiologists also conducted special tests, including ECG and echocardiogram, while laboratory investigations were carried out to review his overall health.
Tarar said Imran Khan was brought to the hospital at around 11:30pm and returned to Adiala Jail after completion of all procedures.
He explained that the night schedule was chosen due to security and operational considerations, noting that security at the hospital could not be significantly increased during regular hours without disrupting emergency services and routine patient care.
He stressed that the examination was conducted strictly within the framework of the law and the jail manual, reiterating that medical procedures for prisoners are governed under existing legal provisions and do not permit special arrangements outside prescribed rules.
He further clarified that matters relating to release, bail or foreign travel of a convicted prisoner fall under the jurisdiction of courts. Citing Article 25 of the Constitution, he said the government remained committed to implementing legal provisions without discrimination.
In a related development, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the PTI founder is scheduled to receive his next injection on March 24 as part of his ongoing treatment plan.
He stated that doctors had reported improvement in his vision following the first procedure and that all legal and humanitarian requirements were fulfilled during his transfer under strict security arrangements.
During the same Senate sitting, the law minister also responded to a query raised by Kamran Murtaza regarding compensation for victims of the G-11 Kacheri blast.
He said senior officials, including the interior minister, had promptly reached the site and supervised relief efforts. The injured received closely monitored medical treatment, while assistance was provided in line with government policy.
On the directives of the prime minister, a comprehensive compensation package had been approved to support the bereaved families and injured individuals.
Meanwhile, PTI objected to the “secrecy” surrounding the hospital visit.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the party said: “The situation demands transparency, not secrecy.” It added that such “clandestine actions only give rise to more questions” and asked: “What are they hiding?”
