A bunch of legendary former worldwide cricketers has appealed to Pakistan’s authorities to supply “rapid and ample medical consideration” for Imran Khan, the nation’s former cricket captain and prime minister, who has reportedly been denied applicable medical therapy throughout his incarceration.
The 14 former captains, lots of whom performed in opposition to Khan, raised considerations over his deteriorating well being and the alleged mistreatment throughout his imprisonment in a letter printed by Australian media retailers on Tuesday.
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“We write with deep concern concerning the reported therapy and incarceration circumstances of Imran Khan, the distinguished former captain of Pakistan and a legendary determine in world cricket,” the letter learn.
The signatories embody Khan’s contemporaries and cricket’s Corridor of Famers Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, John Wright and David Gower.
Khan, a preferred determine, represented Pakistan from 1971 to 1992 in 88 Take a look at matches and 175 one-day internationals, main the nation to its first World Cup win in 1992.
He’s broadly considered one of many best all-round gamers and arguably Pakistan’s best cricketer.
Ex-cricketers elevate ‘profound concern’
The petition signed by the cricketers was drafted by Greg Chappell and delivered to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday afternoon, a report in The Age newspaper mentioned.
“Current experiences regarding his well being – notably the alarming deterioration of his imaginative and prescient whereas in custody – and the circumstances of his imprisonment over the previous two and a half years have precipitated us profound concern,” the previous cricketers wrote.
Final week, a court-appointed lawyer claimed that Khan had been left with simply 15 p.c imaginative and prescient in his proper eye after authorities allegedly ignored his complaints for 3 months.
The lawyer’s report painted a troubling image of the 73-year-old’s deteriorating well being and extended isolation, since he was imprisoned in August 2023 on dozens of costs. It mentioned Khan suffered speedy and substantial imaginative and prescient loss over the previous three months whereas in custody.
“He [Khan] said that he subsequently suffered a sudden and full lack of imaginative and prescient in his proper eye,” the report mentioned.
A government-appointed medical board analyzing the jailed ex-leader reported a big enchancment in his eyesight, a declare rejected by Khan’s household.
“With out the bodily presence of each his private physician and household consultant, we categorically reject any claims made by the federal government concerning his examination, therapy or medical situation,” Aleema Khan, the previous prime minister’s sister, instructed Al Jazeera.
Khan turned prime minister in 2018 in elections that opponents alleged have been rigged in his favour by the highly effective navy. 4 years later, he was eliminated by a no-confidence vote that he claimed was orchestrated by the navy, after their relationship soured, in collusion with Washington and Khan’s political rivals in Pakistan.
These allegations have been denied by each the Pakistani navy and the US.
‘Uphold the rules of decency and justice’
The letter of enchantment, which was additionally signed by former captains Michael Atherton, Michael Brearley, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain and Steve Waugh, said that an individual of Imran Khan’s stature deserved to be handled with the “dignity and fundamental human consideration befitting a former nationwide chief and a worldwide sporting icon”.
The previous cricketers urged Pakistan’s authorities to make sure that Khan receives:
- Fast, ample and ongoing medical consideration from certified specialists of his selecting to deal with his reported well being points.
- Humane and dignified circumstances of detention in keeping with worldwide requirements, together with common visits by shut members of the family.
- Honest and clear entry to authorized processes with out undue delay or hindrance.
Khan’s supporters, members of his political get together Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allies have held protests and sit-ins outdoors the Pakistani parliament in current days, deploring the denial of entry to his household and physicians really helpful by them.
“Imran’s sons have been making an attempt to go to Pakistan since final 12 months and have utilized a number of occasions, however their visa has not been processed. It’s in limbo; they don’t get a denial, nor an approval,” Khan’s sister mentioned, referring to Kasim and Suleman, Khan’s two sons, who’re nationals of the UK.
Of their letter, the previous captains mentioned they have been interesting to Sharif’s authorities to honour and uphold “the rules of decency and justice”.
“This enchantment is made within the spirit of sportsmanship and customary humanity, with out prejudice to any authorized proceedings,” the letter concluded.
