Bold headline: Mohsin Naqvi pushed hardest to secure Imran Khan’s release, Gandapur asserts.
- Key claim: Ali Amin Gandapur, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, says Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the most serious and sustained efforts to win Imran Khan’s release, more than anyone else.
- Supporting detail: Gandapur told a private channel that Naqvi even spoke in support of Imran Khan before the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Asim Munir, which he argues others did not dare to do.
- Context: The remarks come amid high political tension after Khan’s medical report to the Supreme Court revealed a serious eye condition known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), raising concerns about his health and prompting calls for hospital care.
- Medical note: CRVO typically correlates with older age and cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The report stated Khan, jailed since August 2023, reported losing about 85% of vision in his right eye.
- Medical assessment: Separate reports from doctors at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Al-Shifa International Hospital indicated a detailed examination and expressed satisfaction with Khan’s condition, noting noticeable improvement in eyesight.
- Gandapur’s nuance: He acknowledged that the PTI had previously been unhappy with Naqvi’s handling of the matter and with him personally, noting that Imran was angry with Naqvi at times. Nonetheless, Gandapur now concedes Naqvi’s role in attempting to resolve the situation.
- Current stance: Gandapur said he currently has no contact with the interior minister and does not hold an official channel to discuss the issue.
- Trust concerns: He admitted doubts about the medical reports regarding Khan, citing past experiences that make him cautious, especially when family members and senior party leaders are not allowed to meet Khan.
- Party dynamics: Gandapur pointed to internal divisions and a lack of decisive leadership within PTI, which he believes have complicated the party’s response to ongoing developments.
Question for readers: Do you think Naqvi’s approach could redefine how political negotiations are handled in high-profile cases, or should forceful channels be the norm? Share your perspective in the comments.
