Imran Khan Could Be Sent Abroad for Treatment If Needed, Says Tariq Fazal Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan could be sent abroad for medical treatment if necessary, while stressing that the court should clarify whether the facility of being transferred to a private hospital applies to all prisoners or only to one individual.

Speaking during a Senate session, the minister was responding to Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

Raja Nasir Abbas raised the issue of PTI leader and former Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, who is imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail. He said the 78-year-old doctor and former teacher was suffering from cancer and spinal problems and was not being provided her due rights as an elderly citizen and prisoner.

He claimed that Dr Yasmin Rashid was also experiencing breathing difficulties and that prolonged power outages in the jail were adding to her problems.

Raja Nasir Abbas also raised the case of Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, saying that he was a member of the Senate and a heart patient who also deserved medical relief.

He said political prisoners should be provided relief and argued that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Imran Khan’s medical treatment had created a positive political atmosphere.

Responding to the opposition leader, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government wanted to ensure implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision and respected Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and other prisoners.

However, he described May 9 as a “black day” in Pakistan’s history and said PTI members had been convicted by courts in cases related to the incidents.

The minister claimed that Dr Yasmin Rashid was present at the Corps Commander House at the time of the attack, while Raja Nasir Abbas rejected the allegation and termed it a false accusation.

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would again consult the Punjab government and prison authorities regarding medical facilities for the prisoners.

He said Yasmin Rashid had previously been provided treatment at a hospital and that medical facilities would continue to be provided to her.

“We stand by our commitment to implement the Supreme Court’s decision,” he said.

The minister explained that the government had approached the court to seek clarification on whether the facility of transfer to a private hospital was intended for one particular person or applied to all prisoners.

He added that if the government felt that the required treatment was available abroad, Imran Khan could also be sent overseas for treatment.

“Whatever the court has decided will certainly be implemented,” Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said.

Raja Nasir Abbas, meanwhile, urged the government not to criminalise politics and rejected the allegation that Dr Yasmin Rashid had participated in the attack on the Corps Commander House.