ISLAMABAD: The recent medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan has sparked controversy, with sources claiming that what was privately described as a satisfactory review was later projected publicly as a matter of concern.
According to informed sources, a team of doctors from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), along with Dr Nadeem Qureshi — nominated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — conducted a detailed medical examination of the incarcerated PTI founder last Sunday.
Following the assessment, senior opposition figures, including Raja Nasir Abbas and Gohar Ali Khan, were briefed at Pims. A 45-minute speakerphone consultation was subsequently arranged between the examining doctors and two physicians from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre — Dr Khurram Mirza and Dr Asim Yusuf — who are regarded as trusted by Khan and his family.
Sources said the discussion was attended by multiple participants and formally documented, with minutes reportedly available to both sides. During the call, the Shaukat Khanum doctors are said to have expressed strong satisfaction with the examination and treatment protocol.
According to accounts cited by sources, the PTI-affiliated doctors described the medical management as “very encouraging and satisfactory,” commending what they termed a textbook-based investigation and treatment approach. One of the visiting doctors reportedly told the Pims team, “You have done an amazing job.”
Dr Asim Yusuf is said to have thanked the examining doctors on behalf of Khan’s family and assured them that there would be no further criticism of the medical management. Sources added that PTI-nominated doctors were given access — with the patient’s consent — to medical summaries, diagnostic reports and treatment records. They reportedly raised several queries, all of which were addressed during the session.
The review also noted minor observations, including a slightly elevated cholesterol level. However, when asked for recommendations, the PTI doctors reportedly advised that no immediate medical intervention was required and suggested reassessment during the next scheduled examination.
A senior Pims physician, Dr Arif, reportedly expressed disappointment over earlier public claims that Khan was not being treated by an expert. He stated that he had administered the relevant injection to over a thousand patients during his career.
Despite what sources described as private satisfaction among PTI leaders and parliamentarians, the narrative shifted the following day. Dr Asim Yusuf released a video message stating he could neither confirm nor deny certain details as he had not personally examined Khan, which created confusion about the earlier consultation.
Sources further claimed that plans for protests and sit-ins continued regardless of the reported medical reassurance. Senior opposition leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, were said to have been aware of the doctors’ findings.
The role of Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, also drew attention. Sources alleged that she urged party leaders and doctors to maintain a hardline stance and expressed displeasure when some opposition figures conveyed satisfaction over the medical assessment. During a subsequent protest sit-in, tensions reportedly surfaced, with observers noting a visible strain between family members and certain opposition leaders.
While documented minutes of the consultation reportedly reflect medical reassurance, conflicting public statements have fueled uncertainty, turning what sources describe as a routine clinical review into a broader political controversy.
