Wasim Akram calls for equal treatment of jailed Imran Khan

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has called on authorities to ensure fair treatment for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, who has remained imprisoned since August 2023.

Akram made the remarks during the Old Boys, New Balls podcast, co-hosted by former England captain Ian Botham, while discussing a recent petition signed by former international cricket captains in support of Khan.

The former fast bowler said he missed Imran as a friend, mentor and leader, recalling their years together in the Pakistan cricket team that won the 1992 World Cup.

Akram said the government should extend the same treatment to Imran that other politicians had received in the past, while expressing hope that the former premier would soon be released.

His remarks come weeks after 21 former international cricket captains renewed an appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding Imran’s medical treatment.

The appeal followed an August 18 order by a three-member Supreme Court bench directing Adiala jail authorities to transfer Imran to Shifa Hospital for medical assessment and treatment within two days.

Instead, Imran was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, where doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran underwent a detailed medical examination in the presence of his sister and doctors. He said a medical team comprising an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician declared the PTI founder medically fit.

PTI subsequently filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, alleging that the government had failed to comply with the court’s directions regarding Imran’s transfer to hospital.

Imran, 73, has been in prison since August 2023 following convictions in several cases. He and PTI maintain that the cases against him are politically motivated.

The former cricketer served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed from office through a no-confidence vote. He has since faced multiple legal proceedings on corruption and other charges.

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