CM's aide questions secrecy over Imran Khan’s treatment

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan on Tuesday criticised what he called the secretive and unlawful transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a hospital late at night, saying it was the fourth such move.

Speaking at a press conference alongside provincial cabinet members Riaz Khan and Taj Muhammad Tarand, Jan said the transfer violated prison regulations, constitutional safeguards and basic rights. He maintained that the jail manual does not permit a prisoner to be moved out of jail after evening hours.

He questioned why Imran Khan was shifted at night without public knowledge and then brought back to Adiala Jail in about half an hour. According to Jan, the circumstances of the transfer had raised concerns about the former prime minister’s health and the treatment being provided to him. "Neither Imran Khan's family was informed nor were his personal physicians allowed access to examine him. Denying a prisoner the right to medical care under the supervision of trusted doctors is not only immoral but unconstitutional," Jan said.

Concerns over medical care

Jan also referred to Bushra Bibi, saying she too had been taken to hospital late at night for an eye procedure. He said that although such treatment required several days of post-operative observation, she was returned to jail within hours.

He described that move as a deeply inhumane, reckless and vindictive act, and accused the federal and Punjab governments of using Imran Khan’s health for political purposes.

Jan demanded that Imran Khan be shifted immediately in line with his family’s wishes so that he could receive treatment under the supervision of his own medical team. He further alleged that PIMS hospital did not have the necessary retina specialists and asked why the authorities were resisting an independent medical examination. "PTI stands shoulder to shoulder with Imran Khan's family. Access to quality healthcare is not a favor - it is a constitutional, legal and humanitarian right," he said.

Comparison with past precedent

During the press conference, Jan also drew a comparison with what he described as earlier political precedent. He said Maryam Nawaz had been granted relief on medical grounds to care for Nawaz Sharif, while Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, according to him, were being denied basic medical facilities as well as access to family members.

He said the circumstances surrounding Imran Khan’s medical condition and treatment had led to serious questions. "What are the federal and Punjab governments trying to hide? Why is there such fear and secrecy surrounding Imran Khan's medical condition?," Jan asked.

The remarks were made as PTI continued to press for medical access and treatment arrangements for its jailed founder and Bushra Bibi.