Criticism over SKMT bank freeze sparks cancer treatment fears
ISLAMABAD: A wave of criticism has erupted over the closure of the bank accounts of Shaukat Khanam Memorial Trust (SKMT), as many fear the supply of medicines and treatment for cancer patients could be affected.
However, SKMT has assured the public that efforts are underway to have the frozen account restored and that the hospital will ensure uninterrupted medicine supply to the 75 per cent patients who receive free treatment.
It is worth mentioning that social media has been abuzz with claims that the bank accounts of SKMT were blocked.
Some users alleged that Rawalpindi’s judge Amjad Ali Shah ordered the freezing of these accounts after Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, failed to appear in his court.
They further claimed that despite being informed about patient-related difficulties — and despite Aleema Khan’s later appearing — the judge did not suspend his order. Similar claims were made about Namal University’s bank accounts being frozen because Ms Khan is a board member.
Some social media users warned that closing the bank accounts would severely affect patients, while others insisted it would not diminish public sympathy for Imran Khan.
When contacted, an SKMT spokesperson said: “We would like to reassure our donors and supporters that the vast majority of our bank accounts are fully operational, and we continue to receive donations without any disruption.
“A small number of our accounts have had restrictions placed on them, and we are working to have these lifted at the earliest. We expect that these restrictions will be removed soon.”
“We are also pleased to confirm that all patient care and treatment services continue uninterrupted. We remain deeply grateful to our donors, and indeed to all citizens of Pakistan, for their unwavering trust — now more than ever — in our mission to provide free cancer care to more than 75pc of our patients across Pakistan,” the spokesperson added.
It is worth highlighting that three decades ago, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was established with the aim of providing quality cancer care accessible to every patient, regardless of their ability to pay.
With public support, that vision materialised through hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar, where thousands of deserving patients receive free treatment every day. SKMT now aims to open its third and largest hospital in Karachi in 2026.
Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2025