PESHAWAR: Special assistant to the chief minister on information and public relations, Shafi Jan, has condemned the “clandestine and unlawful” transfer of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan to a hospital late last night for the fourth time, terming the move a gross violation of jail laws and human rights.

Addressing a press conference along with provincial cabinet members Riaz Khan and Taj Mohammad Tarand, he stated that under the jail manual, no prisoner can be shifted out of prison after evening hours. He questioned why Imran Khan was secretly moved under the cover of darkness and then returned to Adiala Jail within barely 30 minutes.

He said the entire episode raises serious suspicions regarding the PTI founder’s health and treatment. “Neither was Imran Khan’s family informed, nor was his personal physician allowed access to examine him. Denying a prisoner the right to medical care under the supervision of trusted doctors is not only immoral but unconstitutional,” he remarked.

Mr Jan stated that Bushra Bibi was also taken to the hospital late at night for an eye procedure, despite medical requirements for several days of post-operative observation. Instead, he said, she was shifted back to jail within hours in what he called a “deeply inhumane, reckless and vindictive act.”

He accused the federal and Punjab governments of deliberately weaponising Imran Khan’s health for political purposes and demanded his immediate transfer to a hospital in accordance with the wishes of his family, so that he may receive proper treatment under the supervision of his own medical team. He alleged that PIMS hospital lacks the required retina specialists and questioned why authorities are resisting independent medical evaluation.

“PTI stands shoulder to shoulder with Imran Khan’s family. Access to quality healthcare is not a favour — it is a constitutional, legal and humanitarian right,” he asserted.

Drawing comparisons with past political precedents, Shafi Jan said that Maryam Nawaz was granted relief on medical grounds to care for Nawaz Sharif, yet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are allegedly being denied even the most basic medical facilities and family access.

“What are the federal and Punjab governments trying to hide? Why is there such fear and secrecy surrounding Imran Khan’s medical condition,” he questioned.

He demanded immediate and unrestricted access for Imran Khan’s family and personal doctors if the Punjab government’s claims regarding his health are genuine. He further alleged that Imran Khan has been kept in prolonged solitary confinement for nearly 200 days, while meetings with him have remained severely restricted for the past six months.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026