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Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Dismisses Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Health as “Baseless Propaganda”
Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the country’s interior minister, has firmly rejected growing international concerns about the health and detention conditions of cricket legend Imran Khan, dismissing them as “baseless propaganda.”
The 73-year-old former prime minister and cricket icon has been imprisoned at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi since August 2023, following his removal from office the previous year. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were initially jailed on corruption charges, with subsequent court rulings extending his total sentence to 31 years after a December verdict.
Widespread reports from within Pakistan have highlighted Khan’s allegedly deteriorating health, including claims of severe vision loss, inadequate medical care, restricted family visitation rights, and confinement in what some have described as a “death cell.” His sons have publicly raised concerns about psychological pressure and poor sanitation conditions.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Naqvi countered these reports, claiming that Khan’s medical situation was being properly addressed. “His doctors said, ‘excellent! Had we done the treatment, we would have done the same.’ Political leaders said, ‘we are satisfied, and we will tell our people about this,'” Naqvi stated.
The PCB chief also directed blame at Khan’s sister, Aleema, suggesting she deliberately delayed medical treatment for political gain. “Aleema Khan sahiba told her party that if we accept this, the issue will die down. Due to her, the medical check-up could not be conducted for three days,” he alleged.
This contrasts sharply with Aleema Khan’s account to Al Jazeera, where she claimed the Pakistani government had actively resisted allowing Khan’s personal physician and a family representative to be present during his examination and treatment.
The controversy has drawn attention from the international cricket community. A group of 15 prominent former cricketers, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with 13 other former international captains, recently issued a statement expressing concern over Khan’s situation. The signatories, acknowledging Khan’s leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup triumph, called for dignified detention conditions and transparent legal access.
Khan’s supporters maintain that his treatment in prison has been politically motivated, arguing that his position as founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has made him a target of the current government. They continue to advocate for humane treatment, transparent legal proceedings, and some have called for his release on medical grounds.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of cricket, politics, and justice in Pakistan, where Khan remains one of the country’s most significant figures despite his imprisonment. As Pakistan’s greatest cricket hero who later became prime minister, his detention continues to generate both domestic and international attention.
The government’s position, as articulated by Naqvi, suggests no imminent change to Khan’s circumstances despite mounting pressure from various quarters. Meanwhile, human rights organizations and cricket luminaries continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian considerations regardless of political affiliations.
For now, the contrasting narratives from government officials and Khan’s family members leave many questions unanswered about his actual condition and treatment within Pakistan’s prison system.
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12 Comments
The government’s rejection of the reports on Imran Khan’s health is concerning. Regardless of the political circumstances, the authorities have a duty of care to ensure his wellbeing. I hope impartial observers are granted access to verify his condition.
Agreed. Dismissing credible concerns as ‘propaganda’ is worrying and undermines public trust. Transparent, fact-based assessments are crucial in a case like this.
This is a complex and politically charged issue. While the government claims Khan’s health concerns are ‘propaganda’, the reports from his family and others suggest otherwise. Ensuring the wellbeing of detainees should be a priority, regardless of their political affiliations.
Exactly. Dismissing valid concerns as propaganda is counterproductive. Transparent, fact-based assessments of Khan’s condition by independent observers would be the responsible course of action.
The health and detention conditions of high-profile political figures like Imran Khan deserve close scrutiny. The government’s outright rejection of the reports raises questions about their willingness to be accountable. I hope independent monitors can verify the situation objectively.
This is a sensitive political situation that deserves close scrutiny. I hope independent monitors are allowed access to verify Khan’s health status and detention conditions. Credible information is key, rather than just government rhetoric.
Absolutely. Objective assessments from neutral third parties would go a long way in building public trust and ensuring Khan’s rights are protected.
The conflicting narratives around Imran Khan’s health raise serious concerns. Regardless of one’s political views, the authorities have a duty of care to ensure the wellbeing of detainees. I hope impartial monitors are granted access to verify the situation objectively.
Interesting developments in the case of Imran Khan. While the government claims his health concerns are ‘propaganda’, the reports of his deteriorating condition are quite concerning. I hope he is receiving proper medical care and humane treatment during his detention.
I agree, the government’s dismissal of these issues is troubling. Transparency and accountability are crucial, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of high-profile detainees.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While the government dismisses the health concerns as ‘propaganda’, the reports from Khan’s family and others raise serious questions that demand transparency and independent oversight. Proper medical care for detainees is a basic human right.
The conflicting reports on Imran Khan’s health are worrying. The government needs to provide clear, verifiable information to the public and international community. Prisoners’ wellbeing should not be a subject of political propaganda.