ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health minister Abdul Qadir Patel said on Friday former prime minister Imran Khan’s mental stability was “questionable” after he shared a medical report prepared by a panel of five doctors at a leading public hospital in the federal capital.
Khan was made to undergo a medical checkup after his arrest from the Islamabad High Court by paramilitary Rangers on corruption charges earlier this month. The procedure was carried out to satisfy a legal requirement ahead of interrogation by government agencies.
The health minister informed the former prime minister’s medical examination was carried out under the supervision of five senior doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
“The report says his [Khan’s] mental stability is questionable [as] there were some inappropriate gestures,” he said while addressing a news conference in Karachi.
Patel defended the government’s decision to share the report’s findings with the public during the media talk, saying “any document is a public document in democracy.”
“His [the ex-PM’s] urine sample was [also] obtained and, according to the initial report, it contained toxic substances, including high quantities of alcohol and cocaine,” he continued.
Khan, who survived an apparent assassination attempt while leading an anti-government rally last year, said his leg was fractured by gunshot wounds. However, the health minister also questioned that claimed.
“This person had a very heavy plaster cast wrapped [around his leg] for five to six months despite his medical report showing no signs of fracture,” he said. “Tell me, if there is a wound on the skin or flesh, have you ever seen anyone wearing a plaster cast to [treat it], that too for five to six months.”
In response to a question, he said the government would also write to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), a regulatory body, to summon the doctors who said Khan’s leg had fractured.
The relation between the ex-premier and the ruling coalition continues to remain bitter since the former was driven out of power in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April last year.
Pakistan’s health minister publicizes ex-PM Khan’s medical report, calls his mental stability ‘questionable’
https://arab.news/2jdjg
Pakistan’s health minister publicizes ex-PM Khan’s medical report, calls his mental stability ‘questionable’
- Abdul Qadir Patel defends the decision to unveil the report, says ‘any document is a public document in democracy’
- Minister denied ex-PM’s claims of a fractured leg after an apparent assassination attempt targeting Khan last November
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
