ISLAMABAD: A senior federal minister involved in facilitating medical access for incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan was cautioned by a highly influential figure in Pakistan’s power structure that any concessions granted to his family and party would fail to satisfy them.
The warning came amid behind-the-scenes negotiations triggered by escalating concerns over Khan’s health, particularly a serious eye condition diagnosed as central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye.
“Even if you give them everything, they will still not be satisfied,” the influential figure reportedly told the minister, according to credible sources familiar with the matter.
Despite the advice, the minister proceeded with quiet talks involving PTI leaders and Khan’s family representatives, aiming to address demands for trusted physicians and greater transparency in his treatment.
The initiative sought to prevent the health controversy from spiraling into wider political confrontation, especially as public protests and court interventions intensified.
Medical records indicate Khan first underwent a procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in late January following reports of partial vision loss.
A lawyer’s assessment presented to the Supreme Court claimed Khan retained only about 15 percent vision in the affected eye due to delayed intervention while in custody at Adiala Jail.
Government officials responded by constituting a medical board, which examined Khan on February 15 and reported improvement, with unaided vision in the right eye at 6/24 partial and corrected to 6/9 partial.
Khan is scheduled for additional hospital visits, including an injection on February 25 as part of ongoing treatment for the condition.
Family members, including sisters Aleema Khan and others, have consistently rejected official reports, insisting on the presence of personal physicians and at least one relative during examinations.
They argue that without such access, government claims lack credibility and violate constitutional and jail rules on medical care.
PTI statements have warned against secretive transfers or treatments, demanding unrestricted consultation with family-approved doctors.
The facilitation efforts included arrangements for consultations at facilities like PIMS, with some political figures aiding coordination.
Yet shortly after measures were implemented, Khan’s family publicly challenged the adequacy of arrangements, pressing for further demands including transfer to a private hospital such as Shifa International.
This response created embarrassment for the minister and frustration among PTI participants in the discreet process.
Sources describe the family’s reaction as not only questioning specifics but continuing agitation, which undermined trust-building attempts.
The episode highlights persistent mistrust between the government and Khan’s camp amid his incarceration since 2023 on various charges.
Broader context includes Supreme Court directives for evaluations, protests by PTI supporters, and appeals from former international cricket captains urging dignified medical handling.
Despite reported medical progress, the family maintains Khan faces psychological strain from isolation and restricted family contact.
His sons, based abroad, have sought visas for visits but face delays, adding to concerns over his well-being.
The health dispute has fueled demands for bail or sentence suspension on humanitarian grounds, though government circles view such calls skeptically.
Parliamentary figures have denied any deals, emphasizing adherence to legal processes while committing to medical recommendations.
The cautionary remark from the influential figure appears validated by subsequent developments, as concessions have not quelled criticism or protests.
Political analysts note this pattern reflects deep divisions, where health matters intersect with larger power dynamics.
As treatment continues with planned hospital shifts, the focus remains on whether transparency and cooperation can eventually reduce tensions.
The situation underscores challenges in balancing custodial responsibilities with humanitarian considerations in high-profile cases.