Global civil society ‘speaks out’ for Imran Khan’s health, demands immediate medical access

• In a letter, international scholars, jurists and rights advocates issue humanitarian appeal

• Signatories cite credible reports of serious health deterioration in custody

• Allege ocular damage linked to delays in medical treatment, seeking independent specialist care and full medical transparency

• Say preparations under way for global delegation to engage Pakistani authorities

 ISLAMABAD: A broad coalition of international scholars, artists, elected officials, jurists, journalists, faith leaders and human-rights advocates has issued a humanitarian appeal expressing concern over the reported medical condition and treatment in custody of former prime minister Imran Khan.

In a letter, signed by more than 40 leading public intellectuals, academics and activists around the world, calls for Imran Khan's release and urgent access to his family and physicians.

The signatories caution that credible reports point to a serious deterioration in his health, including significant ocular damage, allegedly linked to delays in medical treatment while in detention. The appeal urges immediate, independent medical access, full transparency regarding his condition, and strict adherence to domestic legal protections as well as internationally recognised standards governing the treatment of detainees.

Emphasising the non-political nature of the initiative, the statement stresses that the appeal is purely humanitarian and not intended to influence political outcomes. It underscores that international legal norms and basic human-rights principles require that all detainees—regardless of political affiliation or legal status—be treated with dignity, afforded due process, and provided adequate medical care.

Among those endorsing the appeal are internationally recognised figures from across disciplines and regions, including senior public officials, prominent academics, jurists, journalists, faith leaders and human-rights advocates from Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, along with members of international civil society.

The signatories have collectively called for immediate access to independent specialist medical care, full disclosure of medical findings and records, humane conditions of detention consistent with Pakistani law and international human-rights obligations, and respect for due process and legal safeguards.

Organisers said preparations are also under way to constitute an international humanitarian delegation, comprising respected global personalities, which would seek meetings with relevant Pakistani authorities to encourage medical transparency and compliance with established human-rights standards.

The initiative is supported by the Community Alliance for Peace & Justice, the Coalition to Change US Policy on Pakistan, and the Center for the Study of Islam & Decolonization.

The organisers stressed that the protection of detainees’ fundamental rights is a universal humanitarian concern, adding that access to medical care in custody must never become a matter of political contention.