Yasmin Qureshi, Member of Parliament for Bolton South and Walkden and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan, has written to Pakistan’s Prime Minister expressing serious concern over the health and welfare of former Prime Minister Imran Khan during his detention.
In her letter, Qureshi said she had received numerous representations from constituents alarmed by media reports about Khan’s deteriorating health, including claims of significant vision loss in one eye following a reported blood clot. She noted that these concerns have gained international attention and sparked widespread discussion among the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.
The MP also referred to reports suggesting that although preparations were made for Khan to be examined at a specialist eye hospital following directions from Pakistan’s Supreme Court, he was instead examined within the prison compound without the presence of his personal doctors or family members. She stated that such developments have raised questions about transparency and confidence in the medical process.
Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules), which stress timely and appropriate medical care for detainees and access to independent medical assessment where necessary.
In the letter, she sought clarification and reassurance that Khan is receiving appropriate specialist treatment in line with international standards, that independent medical professionals can assess his condition, and that his personal doctors and family are appropriately involved. She also urged the government to ensure access to independent specialist treatment in a suitable hospital setting if required.
Emphasising the importance of transparency and adherence to legal and humanitarian standards, Qureshi said providing clear information would help address growing domestic and international concern regarding Khan’s health and treatment while in detention.