Achakzai Seeks PM Shehbaz’s Intervention for Imran’s Medical Examination by ‘Trusted’ Doctors

Senior politician Mehmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and ensure that former prime minister Imran Khan undergoes a medical examination by “trusted and independent doctors.” The appeal has reignited political debate in Pakistan, placing renewed focus on prisoner rights, transparency, and the country’s already polarized political environment.

Achakzai’s statement comes amid ongoing concerns expressed by opposition figures and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding Imran Khan’s health while in custody.




What Achakzai Has Demanded

Achakzai, a veteran politician and head of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), publicly called on the prime minister to personally ensure a fair and credible medical assessment of Imran Khan. He stressed that the examination should be conducted by doctors trusted by all sides, rather than relying solely on official reports.

According to Achakzai, such a step would:

Remove doubts surrounding Imran Khan’s health condition

Demonstrate the government’s commitment to justice and transparency

Reduce political tension and speculation


He emphasized that medical care should remain above politics, regardless of ideological differences.




Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Health

Imran Khan’s health has been a recurring issue since his imprisonment. PTI leaders have repeatedly claimed that:

He is not receiving adequate medical care

Access to personal doctors has been restricted

Official medical reports lack transparency


While government authorities have denied these allegations, stating that Imran Khan is receiving proper medical treatment, skepticism remains among opposition parties and human rights advocates.

Achakzai’s intervention has added weight to these concerns by framing the issue as a matter of fundamental rights rather than party politics.




Political Reactions and Implications

The call for PM Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention has drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum.

Opposition View

Opposition leaders argue that allowing trusted doctors to examine Imran Khan would:

Build public confidence

Reduce political friction

Prevent the issue from escalating internationally


They say transparency would benefit the government as much as the opposition.

Government Position

Government officials maintain that:

All legal and medical protocols are being followed

Imran Khan is being treated in accordance with prison rules

No special treatment can be granted beyond the law


However, analysts note that a humanitarian gesture could help ease tensions.




Legal and Human Rights Perspective

From a legal standpoint, prisoners in Pakistan are entitled to adequate medical care under both domestic law and international human rights conventions. Human rights groups have repeatedly stressed that:

Independent medical assessments help prevent abuse

Transparency protects both the state and detainees

High-profile cases require extra care due to public scrutiny


Achakzai’s demand aligns with these principles, placing moral pressure on the government to act decisively.




Why Achakzai’s Statement Matters

Achakzai is known for his outspoken stance on democratic rights and constitutionalism. His call is significant because:

He is not a core PTI leader

His appeal carries cross-party moral weight

It reframes the issue as national, not partisan


Political observers say his involvement could push the government to consider a confidence-building step, even if no immediate policy change follows.




Impact on Pakistan’s Political Climate

The issue comes at a time when Pakistan’s political environment remains deeply polarized. Any development related to Imran Khan tends to:

Spark intense public debate

Dominate media coverage

Influence political narratives domestically and abroad


Handling the situation carefully is seen as crucial to maintaining stability and avoiding further escalation.




What Happens Next?

While there has been no official response yet from the prime minister’s office, analysts believe there are a few possible outcomes:

Approval of a limited independent medical review

Continued reliance on existing official medical reports

Formation of a special medical board to address concerns


Whatever the decision, it is likely to shape political discourse in the coming days.




FAQs

Who is Mehmood Khan Achakzai?

He is a senior Pakistani politician and leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party.

What is Achakzai demanding?

He is asking PM Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Imran Khan’s medical examination by trusted, independent doctors.

Why is this issue important?

It concerns prisoner rights, transparency, and political stability in Pakistan.




Conclusion

Achakzai’s call for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention has once again placed Imran Khan’s health and treatment in custody at the center of national debate. Whether the government responds with a humanitarian gesture or maintains its current stance, the issue underscores the fragile balance between politics, justice, and public trust in Pakistan.

How the matter is handled may have implications far beyond a single medical examination.