Kasim Khan detailed a significant decline in his father’s physical well-being, specifically citing a major loss of vision in one eye. According to Kasim, his father has lost approximately 80 per cent of sight in that eye and was recently observed wearing an eye patch. The brothers expressed deep distress over the situation, noting that their father, typically known for his calm and composed demeanor even in high-pressure environments, appeared visibly stressed during their recent contact.
Concerns Over Medical Access and Prison Treatment
The family’s frustration has been compounded by what they describe as a failure to provide necessary medical attention. Sulaiman Khan recounted a recent incident where a court-ordered medical examination failed to meet expectations. Despite an order for Imran to be taken to a private medical facility, he was instead transported to a government institution for a brief check-up before being returned directly to prison. Sulaiman stated that independent doctors, including a family member, were left waiting at Shifa Hospital while the government-led examination concluded that the former leader was fit to return to custody.
The brothers also alleged that their attempts to visit their father in Pakistan have been thwarted by visa issues, which they claim were denied on technical grounds. They emphasized that their primary objective is to ensure their father receives appropriate medical treatment, describing the current environment as one of deliberate isolation intended to silence him. The situation has garnered international attention, with a group of former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, writing to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to advocate for humane treatment and proper medical care for the former World Cup-winning captain.
Broadcasting Controversy at Lord’s
The interview, which aired during the lunch break of the second Test match between England and Pakistan at Lord’s, triggered a diplomatic and sporting stir. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports regarding the broadcast. Reports indicated that the board considered instructing the national team players not to return to the field for the afternoon session if the segment was aired. Ultimately, the players resumed play as scheduled, and the match continued without further interruption.
Imran Khan remains a central figure in the history of Pakistan cricket, famously leading the national side to their first men's ODI World Cup victory in 1992. His transition from the sporting arena to the political stage as Prime Minister has kept him in the global spotlight, and these latest allegations regarding his imprisonment have reignited calls for humanitarian intervention from the international sporting community.
