Imran Khan had warned of threat to his life, sisters say

ISLAMABAD: Dr Uzma Khanan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, has said that her brother had told her in their last meeting that he feared for his life.

She said this amidst concerns raised by his family and party over Khan’s medical treatment in jail.

Speaking at a press conference alongside her sister Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma said that Khan warned that “these people will kill me” and identified specific individuals he feared might be responsible.

She said that he had repeatedly expressed doubts about the prison authorities’ intentions and the quality of medical care being provided.

The sisters said that they had sought access for Khan’s personal doctors and family members to examine his health at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, but were denied by prison officials and unclear directives.

Dr Uzma described conflicting instructions, including attempts to send untrusted or non-medical personnel for his evaluation, which she said raised concerns about deliberate obstruction.

“We were only willing to send doctors we trust,” Dr Uzma said, noting that reports from prison doctors appeared incomplete, lacked diagnostic clarity, and did not include a treatment plan.

“We received messages from doctors worldwide asking what was written in the reports. Nothing in these reports inspires confidence.”

Aleema Khan said that Khan had repeatedly complained about deteriorating vision in his right eye and demanded access to his blood tests and monitoring by trusted physicians.

She said the former prime minister described his treatment as “criminal negligence,” citing multiple delays and confusion over medical procedures.

“The PTI chairman had told us he has not been able to see properly for two weeks. Even with so many cameras, the authorities did not notice his condition,” Aleema said.

She said that prison authorities initially refused to allow his sisters to meet him and attempted to impose an unfamiliar medical team.

Dr Uzma and Aleema said that they were coordinating legal petitions to ensure proper medical care.

“The chairman sent us a message: speak up for me. My eye is not fine,” Aleema said, urging authorities to permit him access to personal and trusted doctors.

The family’s statements come amid heightened scrutiny of Khan’s detention and health conditions in the jail, which has drawn national and international attention.

Supporters of Khan have repeatedly expressed concern over the adequacy and transparency of medical monitoring in custody.