Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has dismissed global concerns over the health of cricket legend Imran Khan as “baseless propaganda.”
Imran, 73, widely regarded as Pakistan’s greatest cricketer, has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being removed from office the previous year. He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were jailed on corruption charges, with subsequent court rulings extending his convictions to a cumulative 31-year sentence following a December verdict. He is currently lodged at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Health Concerns and Allegations
Media reports in Pakistan have highlighted concerns about Khan’s deteriorating health, including alleged severe vision loss, inadequate medical attention, restricted family visits and confinement in what supporters describe as harsh conditions. His sons have claimed he is facing psychological pressure and poor sanitation, while backers argue he deserves humane treatment, transparent legal access and even release on medical grounds.
Critics also contend that Khan’s role as founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made him a political target of the current administration.
Naqvi Rejects Allegations
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Naqvi rejected the claims.
“His (Imran’s) 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.’”
Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, had earlier told Al Jazeera that the government resisted allowing Khan’s personal doctor and a family representative to be present during his examination and treatment.
Naqvi, however, blamed Aleema for delaying the medical check-up.
“All I can tell you is that 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 said.
International Cricketing Appeal
The controversy comes amid a joint appeal from former international captains — including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev — urging Pakistani authorities to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for Imran. The signatories cited his leadership in Pakistan’s triumph at the Cricket World Cup and called for dignified detention conditions and transparent legal access.
While the government maintains that adequate medical care is being provided, the debate over Khan’s health and prison conditions continues to draw both domestic and international attention.
