Former International Cricketers Advocate for Proper Medical Treatment for Imran Khan: A Letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
A group of twenty-two former international cricketers, including 21 former captains, have written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting proper medical treatment for former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as per the Supreme Court's directives. The Supreme Court had ordered Imran to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical board, but he was taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) instead, which lacked the necessary facilities for the recommended treatment. The former cricketers emphasized the importance of an independent medical assessment and immediate treatment based on the findings.
The former players welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to allow Imran's personal doctors and his sister to be part of the medical board and restore weekly family visits. However, they expressed concern that Imran was returned to Adiala Jail shortly after being examined by a state-appointed medical team. They urged the authorities to ensure uninterrupted family visits and proper medical care for Imran, especially regarding his reported vision loss in the right eye.
Signatories of the letter included well-known former cricketers like Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Alastair Cook, Sunil Gavaskar, Adam Gilchrist, David Gower, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Arjuna Ranatunga, Andrew Strauss, and Steve Waugh. The former cricketers clarified that their appeal was based on their shared bond through cricket and not as political figures. They emphasized their intention to seek humane treatment and proper medical care for their former colleague.
The former cricketers had previously raised concerns about Imran's prison conditions and access to medical care in February. They had called for timely medical attention, dignified treatment, and unhindered access to legal processes for Imran. Imran has been in prison since August 2023 following his conviction in several cases that he claims are politically motivated. His health concerns have escalated, particularly after being diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in late January, leading to a dispute between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government over the adequacy of medical care provided to him.
In conclusion, the former cricketers' appeal for proper medical care and humane treatment for Imran Khan underscores their concern for his well-being and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court's directives for an independent medical assessment and immediate treatment based on the findings.