A broad coalition of international scholars, artists, elected officials, jurists, journalists, faith leaders and human-rights advocates has issued a humanitarian appeal expressing concern over the reported medical condition of former Prime Minister Imran Khan during his detention.
In a letter signed by more than 40 prominent public intellectuals, academics and activists from across the globe, the signatories have called for Imran Khan’s release and for urgent access to his family and personal physicians. The appeal highlights reports indicating a serious deterioration in his health while in custody.
According to the statement, credible accounts point to significant ocular damage, allegedly linked to delays in medical treatment during detention. The coalition has urged immediate and independent specialist medical access, full transparency regarding his medical condition, and strict adherence to Pakistan’s domestic legal protections as well as internationally recognised standards governing the treatment of detainees.
Emphasising the non-political nature of the initiative, the signatories stated that their appeal is purely humanitarian and not intended to influence political outcomes. They stressed that international legal norms and fundamental human-rights principles require that all detainees—regardless of political affiliation—be treated with dignity, afforded due process, and provided adequate medical care.
The appeal has drawn support from internationally recognised figures across Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, representing diverse professional and civic backgrounds. Among their collective demands are immediate access to independent specialist care, full disclosure of medical findings and records, humane conditions of detention consistent with Pakistani law and international human-rights obligations, and respect for legal safeguards.
Organisers further announced that preparations are under way to form an international humanitarian delegation composed of respected global personalities. The delegation would seek meetings with relevant Pakistani authorities to encourage medical transparency and compliance with established human-rights standards.
The initiative is supported by the Community Alliance for Peace & Justice, the Coalition to Change US Policy on Pakistan, and the Center for the Study of Islam & Decolonization.
Organisers concluded by stressing that the protection of detainees’ fundamental rights is a universal humanitarian concern and that access to medical care in custody must never become a matter of political contention.