Imran Khan will be provided medical treatment of his choice, Tariq Fazal assures Opposition

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday called on the opposition to refrain from politicising Imran Khan’s eye issue. 

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that PTI founder Imran Khan would be taken “wherever he prefers” for medical treatment amid claims regarding the incarcerated leader’s vision, stating that there would be “no negligence in the matter”. 

He said that this is a sensitive issue; politicising it and misrepresenting facts is completely unfair. 

Talking to media outside parliament, Tariq Fazl said that that the incarcerated leader would now be examined by eye doctors or super-specialists, and we will try to ensure he receives every possible treatment available.

Addressing the claims of Imran’s deteriorating vision, the minister dismissed the reports and stated, “The issue did not surface when Imran’s sister met him on Dec 2 or on Dec 9 when he was examined by a medical board or on Dec 20 when the Toshakhana verdict was announced.” 

“The complaint was not brought up anywhere before,” the minister said.

He further recalled that, “On January 16, it was recommended by a doctor that Imran be shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) for an eye checkup. It is also on record that he was not shifted at the request of PTI, but the jail authorities and the government”.

He said that following Imran’s procedure on Jan 24, a medical report was issued by the doctors, “and then there is a ‘report’ by the lawyer” — referring to PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar’s report submitted to the SC. He added that a new medical report will be issued soon.

The minister said that the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, was “himself looking after the case”. Safdar submitted a report in the SC on Thursday after meeting the former prime minister in Adiala jail earlier this week. 

Tariq Fazl said that the responsibility for the health of prisoners lies with the concerned government. He said Adiala Jail is the responsibility of the Punjab government and the government will accept responsibility for any negligence. 

Tariq Fazal said the government has no personal enmity with Imran Khan, only political differences. Medical board formed on December 9, recommendation to shift to PIMS hospital on January 16, claim not on PTI's request, it was government decision.