Lahore, February 17 – Pakistan’s political landscape is heating up over former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, drawing global scrutiny and condemnation. Cricket legends have even penned letters to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in support, amplifying the pressure on the government. In a bold counter, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi squarely blamed PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Alima Khan, for stalling critical eye examinations during a fiery press conference Tuesday.
Naqvi detailed a meeting in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail involving doctors who examined the ex-PM, Khan’s medical team, and PTI leaders. He quoted the doctors praising the care provided, saying, ‘Excellent! If we had treated him, we’d do the same.’ PTI leaders reportedly expressed satisfaction and planned to inform their supporters.
When Naqvi inquired about further tests, the team confirmed all necessary checks were complete. Yet, he pivoted sharply to Alima Khan, accusing her of vetoing the process. ‘Alima Khan told her party that accepting the reports would end the controversy. Because of her, medical checkups were delayed for three days,’ Naqvi charged.
He highlighted the contradiction: PTI claims closeness to the truth but politicizes every issue. Citing Dawn newspaper, Naqvi added, ‘If her intentions were good, she would have agreed on day one. Political leaders were ready, but Alima vetoed it all.’
This comes amid Supreme Court filings confirming Khan suffers from Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, a serious eye condition. The controversy erupted when the government announced a minor procedure at PIMS hospital. Naqvi warned PTI aims to exploit the situation politically, as international eyes watch Pakistan’s handling of the jailed leader’s health crisis.