Imran will be taken wherever he prefers for medical treatment, says Tariq Fazal Chaudhry

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday 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”.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court (SC) was informed that PTI founder Imran Khan’s right eye had only 15 per cent vision remaining, prompting a strong response from the party.

Addressing the media outside Parliament, Chaudhry said: “Wherever he (Imran) wants to go for a check-up, he will be taken. If he wants to go to Al-Shifa Eye Trust, then he will be taken there. There will be no negligence in the matter.”

“If the CJP recommends a doctor, he will be taken there,” Chaudhry added.

He called on the opposition to refrain from politicising the issue. “This is a sensitive issue; politicising it and misrepresenting facts is completely unfair.”

He added 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”.

PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar submitted a report in the Supreme Court on Thursday after meeting the former prime minister in Adiala jail earlier this week.

The report quoted the PTI founder as telling him that “he has been left with only 15pc vision in his right eye”.

In a hearing of the case on Thursday, the two-member bench led by SC Chief Justice Yahya Afridi ordered the formation of a medical team to examine the former premier’s eye, and directed that Imran be allowed to speak to his children. It was ordered that both the eye inspection and the phone calls be conducted before February 16 (Monday).

PTI asks SC to issue written orders

PTI, in a post on X, addressed the CJP, demanding “formal written directions” for the PTI founder’s health examination.

“CJP, we require formal written directions to ensure that Imran Khan is examined by specialists and treated under the supervision of his own doctors at Shifa International Hospital,” the party said.

It called on the CJP to “issue and release the written orders,” stressing that Imran needed “urgent eye treatment.”

“This is not politics, this is not about power. This is about Imran Khan’s life,” PTI added.

Earlier in the day, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan, in a post on X, said that the family had not yet received a written order from the SC regarding the PTI founder’s eye inspection.

“It is 1pm on Friday the 13th, and we still have not received the written order from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. We require formal written directions to ensure that Imran Khan is examined by specialists and treated under the supervision of his own doctors at Shifa International Hospital,” Aleema said.

She said that despite the court’s deadline of February 16, the “directive cannot be implemented without a written order from the court.”

“Given the urgency and the risk to his eyesight, why has the CJP delayed issuing the written orders?” she added.

Awaam Pakistan to join TTAP’s sit-in

Earlier in the day, it emerged that the leadership of Awaam Pakistan — Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail — will participate in the sit-in announced by the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) outside Parliament House.

On Thursday, the opposition Leader in the Senate, Allama Raja Abbas Nasir, announced the sit-in on Thursday (today) after the claim regarding Imran’s vision surfaced.

“The peaceful protest is being staged in response to the alleged deprivation of vision in Imran Khan’s one eye, and the government’s refusal to allow access to his personal doctors and family.”

The TTAP further said the decision was made last night in a meeting also attended by Awaam Pakistan’s leadership.

“Denying any prisoner timely and appropriate medical care is immoral, inhumane and illegal,” the opposition alliance said, adding that Imran Khan was Pakistan’s former prime minister and the leader of the “country’s largest political party”.

“The Awaam Pakistan party will join TTAP’s sit-in outside Parliament immediately after Friday prayers today.”

“We firmly believe in the rule of law, the people’s constitutional rights, free and fair elections, and true democracy, and we will always stand with the people in their struggle for these principles,” the post said.

Dr Zafar Mirza, central spokesperson of Awaam Pakistan party, in a social media post on X, said, “Imran Khan’s eyesight is at risk without urgent medical treatment! Awaam Pakistan is part of the peaceful protest of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan and will stay until he receives the medical care he legally deserves.”