Barrister Gohar did not show up for Imran Khan’s medical exam: Naqvi

Terming the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) campaign for medical treatment of party’s founder Imran Khan baseless propaganda, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday stated that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was invited to the Adiala jail so the Imran’s examination could take place in his presence but he did not show up.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said that they waited for an hour, but Barrister Gohar refused to come after consultation with his party. Later, PTI leaders and doctors received a 45-minute briefing and expressed satisfaction with the treatment.

“An impression was created that Imran Khan had lost 85% of his eyesight, even though the government had him examined by top public and private doctors,” the interior minister said, adding that the PTI founder underwent a comprehensive check-up lasting over an hour, and the medical report is now part of the record, clarifying all details.

Naqvi added that the PTI founder’s personal physicians agreed they would have recommended the same course of action. He further noted that Imran was moved to a hospital for an eye injection as a precaution, though it could have been administered at the Adiala jail.

He asserted that all facilities provided to Imran are on record, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide medical care to every prisoner. He alleged that politics was played over the founder’s health, which caused a three-day delay in the check-up. He emphasised that the government does not wish to politicise the matter and that misleading the public is inappropriate.

READ MORE: Medical team completes examination of Imran Khan at Adiala jail

Furthermore, Naqvi noted that the Peshawar High Court has issued orders regarding the law and order situation in the province, directing the restoration of roads and pathways. He stated that following the court’s decision, efforts are being made to ensure routes remain open to avoid public inconvenience.

He criticised attempts to use the innocent public for political gains and mentioned that disruptions were attempted in Islamabad’s Red Zone, with protests occurring outside Parliament House, Parliament Lodges, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House.

“While anyone is free to protest, creating such an environment on a daily basis is unsuitable,” he remarked.

The interior minister maintained that every issue can be resolved through dialogue, noting that the prime minister has already extended an invitation for talks. He urged PTI workers to reflect on who benefits from instability in the country.

He suggested that if sensible advice had been followed, PTI would not be facing the current situation, though he clarified he could not comment on any “NRO” (deal). He reiterated that the PTI founder is receiving excellent food and facilities in jail.

Regarding terrorism, Naqvi stated that India is clearly involved in recent terrorist attacks. He claimed that India portrays itself as a victim while sponsoring terrorism, specifically increasing funding for terrorists in Balochistan. He alleged that elements previously paid 500 dollars are now receiving 2,000 dollars.

On incidents in Islamabad, he argued it is incorrect to label them intelligence failures, as 99% of terror plots are thwarted in time.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Gohar stated that meeting the party founder is his right and that the lack of access worsened the situation. He argued that regular meetings would have prevented the situation from deteriorating and removed ambiguities regarding treatment. He added that if he had been allowed to meet the founder, the family would have remained satisfied.

Gohar concluded that caring for the founder in jail is the state’s responsibility and directed party leaders to avoid statements that could cause public misunderstandings.