Minister Rejects PTI's Demands on Imran Khan's Jail Meetings Amid Health Concerns
ISLAMABAD – State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday firmly stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cannot dictate meetings with its jailed founder, Imran Khan, by staging sit-ins or protests. His comments came as PTI workers continued their camp outside Adiala Jail and the Supreme Court, following government confirmation that Khan underwent a medical procedure for an eye ailment at a hospital in Islamabad last week.
Chaudhry Dismisses Secrecy Claims Over Medical Treatment
Speaking on a private television programme, Chaudhry dismissed allegations that the treatment had been kept secret, asserting there was "nothing hidden" about it. He criticized the PTI's perspective, saying, "Their problem is that the glass is always half empty for them. They cannot be realistic or positive." Chaudhry highlighted that when a health issue arose, Khan was promptly taken to the nearest best hospital, examined, and returned once everything was stable, countering previous claims about inadequate health facilities.
Government's Responsibility and Prison Procedures
Chaudhry emphasized that ensuring medical care for prisoners is the government's responsibility, noting that routine medical decisions by jail authorities are not typically announced through press releases. When questioned about why Imran Khan's family was not informed, he stated it was the jail administration's duty, which had been fulfilled. He described Khan as a "privileged" prisoner, pointing out that not all inmates have access to personal physicians, cooks, or exercise equipment, and maintained that the former prime minister is "absolutely healthy."
Standard Operating Procedures and Political Allegations
Explaining the delay in confirming the matter, Chaudhry cited standard operating procedures (SOPs), noting that ministers are not informed of every administrative decision. "It happened according to SOPs and it was very smooth," he said. He further alleged that PTI leaders exploit prison meetings for political purposes, using discussions inside to control the party and shape narratives, and reiterated that sit-ins cannot force such meetings.
PTI and Medical Experts Raise Concerns
In response, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister on information, Shafiullah Jan, stated that PTI's primary demand is for Imran Khan to meet his personal physician, emphasizing that his health is a top priority. Jan questioned why Khan's family was not informed of the hospital visit and why confirmation came five days later. Separately, Dr. Aasim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Khan's longtime personal physician, expressed concern in a video statement, noting he had been denied access to examine Khan. Dr. Yusuf said he lacked confirmation about the eye condition or treatment, stressing the need for a retinal specialist's examination and pointing out the absence of such specialists at the Islamabad hospital.
