Mohsin Naqvi blames Aleema for delay in Imran’s eye examination

ISALAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Tuesday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, was responsible for a three-day delay in the former prime minister’s eye examination.

Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi discussed the meeting held between doctors who examined Imran in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, Imran’s own medical team, and PTI leaders. He claimed that both the doctors and political representatives expressed satisfaction with the treatment and progress.

Naqvi quoted Imran’s doctors as saying the treatment provided was appropriate, while PTI leaders reportedly said they were satisfied and would inform supporters accordingly. He added that further tests were not deemed necessary as all possible examinations had already been conducted.

However, Naqvi alleged that Aleema Khan advised party members not to accept the medical findings, warning that the issue would lose political momentum if acknowledged. He said this stance delayed the medical check-up for three days.

The remarks come as a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court confirmed that Imran Khan was diagnosed with a serious eye condition — central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The report stated that he had complained of losing around 85% of the vision in his right eye.

Following the report, PTI leaders and Khan’s family raised concerns over his health and demanded that he be shifted to a hospital for treatment. PTI and allied opposition parties have been staging protests and sit-ins for five days, calling for access to Imran and his personal physicians.

Naqvi accused the opposition of spreading propaganda and politicising the matter for political gain. He insisted the government did not want the issue to be exploited and said authorities were operating strictly under the jail manual.

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He also detailed communication efforts facilitated by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, noting that PTI was asked to nominate a recognised eye specialist. The party, however, requested that Imran be shifted to a hospital for a week — something officials said was not feasible unless doctors recommended hospitalisation.

The interior minister questioned whether similar medical facilities were available to thousands of other prisoners and suggested that journalists should be taken inside the jail to observe the amenities being provided.

Naqvi further warned of attempts to disrupt security in Islamabad’s Red Zone and said all issues could be resolved through dialogue, adding that the prime minister has repeatedly called for talks.

He urged PTI workers to reflect on who may be trying to destabilise the country, stressing that political gains should not take priority over health concerns.