Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has been urgently transferred from prison to a hospital for medical treatment, sparking serious concerns from his political party about his deteriorating health condition.
Urgent Hospital Transfer Raises Transparency Questions
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has revealed that Khan was moved to hospital without any prior notification being given to his family members, legal representatives, or political allies. This sudden transfer under cover of night has raised significant questions about transparency and proper procedure in the handling of the former leader's medical care.
Critical Eye Condition Threatens Permanent Damage
PTI officials have issued a stark warning that Khan faces a high risk of permanent vision loss if his medical condition is not addressed promptly and properly. The 73-year-old politician suffers from central retinal vein occlusion, a serious eye condition that requires specialist treatment to prevent irreversible damage to his eyesight.
Prolonged Incarceration and Medical Neglect Allegations
Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, serving multiple sentences for corruption and leaking state secrets - convictions he maintains are politically motivated attempts to silence his opposition. His party alleges that authorities have systematically denied Khan access to both his legal team and personal physicians for several months, creating what they describe as a dangerous medical situation.
Human Rights Concerns and Calls for Independent Care
The situation has escalated into significant human rights concerns, with PTI and international observers calling for independent specialist medical care for the former prime minister. The party argues that the lack of proper medical attention during his imprisonment represents a serious breach of basic rights and prisoner welfare standards.
This development comes amid ongoing political tensions in Pakistan, where Khan's supporters have faced widespread arrests and Islamabad has seen increased security measures. The hospital transfer represents the latest chapter in the controversial treatment of the former cricket star turned politician, whose health has become a focal point for his supporters' concerns about justice and political persecution in the country.