In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Pakistan, jailed leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have penned a desperate letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, demanding immediate justice for their imprisoned founder, Imran Khan. The appeal, reported widely by local media including Geo News, highlights severe concerns over Khan’s medical treatment and legal access while in custody.
The letter, conveyed through lawyer Shah Mahmood Qureshi, bears signatures from prominent PTI figures such as Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mahmood-ur-Rashid. They accuse authorities of deliberately obstructing Khan’s personal doctor visits, family meetings, and consultations with legal advisors—issues that have plagued his incarceration since August 2023.
This plea comes just a day after Khan received his second eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Suffering from Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a serious condition that has reportedly cost him 85% vision in his right eye, Khan’s health has become a flashpoint. A recent Supreme Court report underscored the gravity of his ailment.
Drawing a stark contrast, the PTI leaders reference the 2019 treatment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. When Sharif faced low platelet counts, the government ensured comprehensive care, including his personal physician’s involvement in medical board meetings, unrestricted family and lawyer access, and eventual permission to seek treatment in England.
In contrast, PTI claims the current administration adopted a ‘mysterious’ approach: first denying Khan’s illness, then reluctantly acknowledging the CRVO diagnosis only after reports surfaced. They allege systematic barriers to his consultants and private lawyers, framing it as a ploy to maintain political control amid a legitimacy crisis and instability.
The imprisoned leaders implore the Chief Justice to intervene, ensuring Khan receives lawful access to his doctors, legal team, and family. This development underscores deepening rifts in Pakistan’s judiciary and executive, with PTI positioning Khan’s plight as a test of judicial independence. As public scrutiny intensifies, the Supreme Court’s response could reshape the nation’s fragile political landscape.