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Pakistan hints Imran Khan may get overseas medical treatment if needed
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Elections & Politics

Pakistan hints Imran Khan may get overseas medical treatment if needed

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The Pakistani government suggested former Prime Minister Imran Khan might be sent abroad for medical treatment if necessary.
  • The government has asked the Supreme Court for clarification on whether a recent relief order applies to other prisoners besides Khan.
  • Opposition leaders raised concerns about inadequate health facilities for Khan and other detained PTI leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid.

The Pakistani government has indicated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan could receive medical treatment abroad if his health requires it. This possibility was raised during a heated Senate session where Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry addressed concerns about the health of detained PTI leaders.

If the need arises to send him abroad, we will do that as well.

— Dr Tariq Fazal ChaudhryThe Parliamentary Affairs Minister stated the government's willingness to send Imran Khan abroad for medical treatment if necessary.

The government's immediate focus, Chaudhry explained, is to seek clarification from the Supreme Court. They want to know if a recent relief order, potentially allowing for medical treatment abroad, applies only to Khan or to other prisoners as well. This legal inquiry comes after opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted the inadequate medical care provided to Khan and other PTI figures, specifically mentioning Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a cancer and asthma patient imprisoned on terrorism charges.

We have only approached the Supreme Court for guidance to know whether this facility is for one person or other prisoners too.

— Dr Tariq Fazal ChaudhryThe minister explained the government's legal action regarding the relief order.

Abbas criticized the perceived disparity in treatment, recalling how facilities were provided for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's medical issues when he was treated in the UK. He urged the government to provide Dr. Rashid with proper hospital care or house arrest, emphasizing that politics should not be criminalized and that humanitarian considerations should guide decisions regarding prisoners' health.

Dr Yasmin Rashid cannot even walk 15 to 20 steps. She suffers from spinal problems and is not being provided with adequate health facilities.

— Allama Raja Nasir AbbasThe Opposition Leader detailed the health issues faced by Dr. Yasmin Rashid.

Chaudhry assured the Senate that the government would implement the court's decision and ensure Khan receives treatment in a government hospital or, if necessary, abroad. He acknowledged the respect for Dr. Rashid and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry but also referenced the events of May 9, which he described as the "darkest day in Pakistan's history."

Politicians and parliamentarians have been branded terrorists.

— Allama Raja Nasir AbbasThe Opposition Leader criticized the treatment of political figures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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