The PTI on Thursday expressed concern and anger over reports of Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi being “suddenly and secretly” taken to the hospital in the middle of the night and then taken back to jail.
“The entire matter is shrouded in unusual secrecy, a lack of transparency, and serious human rights violations, which have raised countless questions in the minds of the nation,” the party said.
The statement came after media reports emerged on Wednesday night alleging that Bushra Bibi, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala jail, was taken to a hospital under tight security for a follow-up examination of her eye.
Last month, Bushra Bibi underwent eye surgery at a Rawalpindi hospital. According to prison authorities, she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in the right eye, and doctors had advised surgery.
“Why is the nation not being informed about her illness, if her condition deteriorated to the extent that she had to be urgently taken to the hospital in the middle of night?” the party asked.
“Which hospital was she taken to? What tests were conducted? Which doctors examined her? And on what basis was the decision made to transfer her back to jail? The silence of the government and jail authorities is making the entire matter even more suspicious,” it said.
“Bushra Bibi has been facing solitary confinement, mental stress, and inhumane treatment for several months, while serious concerns regarding her health have repeatedly been raised. Despite this, denying access to her personal physicians, obstructing meetings with her family, and keeping medical information confidential are clear indications that something is being concealed from the public and her family,” the party said.
“It is regrettable that a female prisoner, who is also the wife of a former prime minister, is being deprived of basic human and medical rights,” the party said, adding concerns regarding her health were increasing with every passing day.
The party demanded that if the government had nothing to hide, an independent and transparent report on Bushra Bibi’s health should be provided to her family and the nation.
It also called for her personal physicians to be granted immediate and unrestricted access and for her to be allowed to meet her family. The PTI also demanded that she be immediately shifted to Shifa International Hospital, and human rights organisations and an independent medical board be permitted to examine her health.
The party warned that if any harm came to her health, the current rulers, prison authorities, and relevant institutions would bear complete political, moral and legal responsibility.
PTI leaders Omar Ayub, meanwhile, said, “Bushra Bibi was taken to the hospital late last night without informing family members. This act by the jail authorities is strongly condemned.”
Bushra Bibi’s health has deteriorated to such an extent that she had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment, and instead of admitting her, she was taken back to Adiala jail,” he said.
Ayub said that Imran was also not being allowed to meet his lawyers, family members, or party colleagues and was also not being taken to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
“Both PM Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s eyesight has suddenly deteriorated whilst incarcerated at Adiala Jail. Both were absolutely healthy and had no medical problems before being jailed. This fact in itself is extremely serious,” he said.
The PTI leader called for both to be taken to Shifa International Hospital for treatment, and for their family members and doctors should to be given access.
“The regime is constantly violating PM Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s constitutionally protected human rights, whilst Pakistan’s judiciary remains a silent spectator,” he said.
