Twenty-one former international cricket captains have renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Imran Khan receives medical care ordered by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Former cricketers raised concerns after Khan was taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of Shifa International Hospital, despite a Supreme Court order issued on August 18.
Former Cricket Captains Appeal to Shehbaz Sharif
A group of former international captains sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 23. Signatories asked government to follow Supreme Court directions and allow an independent medical assessment for Khan.
Letter follows a similar appeal made by 14 former captains in February. Former players said their request focuses on Khan’s health and medical care rather than Pakistan’s political matters.
Signatories include Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Clive Lloyd, Arjuna Ranatunga, Steve Waugh and John Wright.
Supreme Court Orders Medical Examination
On August 18, Supreme Court ordered authorities to move Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment. Court also ordered formation of a multidisciplinary medical board for his assessment.
Court order also addressed family access. Khan’s family was allowed weekly meetings, while his sons were allowed phone contact twice a week, according to reports on court directions.
Khan Taken to PIMS Instead of Shifa
Khan was taken to PIMS during night between August 20 and 21. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security concerns around Shifa Hospital led authorities to use PIMS for examination.
Doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present at PIMS. A medical team that included an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician examined Khan and declared him medically fit, according to government information. Khan was later returned to Adiala Jail.
Reports also said Khan remained at hospital for only a few hours before returning to jail. Former captains questioned whether this process fulfilled Supreme Court directions concerning his medical assessment.
Calls for Independent Medical Board
Former cricket captains urged Shehbaz Sharif to allow a medical board that includes Khan’s personal doctors and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, to complete his medical assessment.
They also raised concern over reported vision problems involving Khan’s right eye and asked authorities to provide treatment recommended by medical experts.
Former players further called for weekly family visits and continued medical care while Khan remains in custody.
Government Position on Khan’s Health
Government officials say Khan received a detailed medical examination at PIMS and was declared medically fit. Attaullah Tarar said doctors from Shifa were present during examination and that Khan’s sister remained present during medical assessment and treatment.
Khan’s party and supporters have raised concerns over his medical treatment and have questioned why he was not taken to Shifa as ordered by Supreme Court. Reuters reported that PTI planned to file a contempt petition over claims that authorities did not follow court directions.
Cricket World Raises Concern Over Imran Khan
Imran Khan remains a known figure in international cricket after leading Pakistan to its first and only 50-over World Cup title in 1992. His cricket career brought him into contact with many former international captains who are now among those calling for proper medical care during his imprisonment.
Current appeal comes after earlier concerns raised by former cricket captains in February. New letter again asks Pakistan government to follow court-ordered medical arrangements and provide Khan with access to medical assessment and treatment.
