Key Takeaways
- West Indies batting legend Brian Lara appeals for dignified treatment for Imran Khan.
- Lara joins an international appeal with 21 other former cricketers.
- Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, facing health concerns.
West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has called for proper medical treatment and dignified conditions for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently in jail.
In a statement posted on his official Instagram account, Lara emphasized the importance of basic humanity over political considerations, stating, 'This isn’t politics. It’s basic humanity for a legend of our game.'
Lara’s appeal comes after 22 international cricketers, including 21 former captains, wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month, seeking medical treatment for Imran in line with recent Supreme Court directives.
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023, following his conviction in several cases that he claims were politically motivated. His removal from office came through a parliamentary vote in 2022.
Health concerns for Imran have escalated in recent months, with multiple hospitalizations for right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition that first came to light in late January.
On August 18, the Supreme Court directed the government to move Imran to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. However, he was instead taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where the required facilities were unavailable.
Lara’s statement reflects the growing international concern over Imran’s health and well-being, with the cricket community united in calling for his proper medical care.
The appeal highlights the ongoing debate around Imran’s treatment and the broader implications for political prisoners in Pakistan.
This isn’t politics. It’s basic humanity for a legend of our game.
Brian Lara, West Indies batting legend
