Health concerns grow as Shah Mahmood Qureshi receives hospital care
His lawyer said Qureshi was shifted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) for a medical check-up. Doctors are keeping him under observation for 24 hours before deciding whether he needs to be admitted.
Qureshi shifted to hospital after fall
Rana Mudassar Umar, Qureshi’s lawyer, told Dawn that the former foreign minister had fainted and suffered a fall a few days ago. He said an application had been submitted to the anti-terrorism court, but the matter was delayed because of holidays.
“[Qureshi] was taken to PIC today as he fainted and suffered a fall a few days ago. We had submitted an application in the anti-terrorism court; however, due to holidays, the issue was delayed.”
The lawyer said Qureshi would remain under medical observation for 24 hours. Doctors would then decide whether his condition required hospital admission.
He has been held at Kot Lakhpat jail since August 2023. The senior PTI leader is facing several cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
Family raises concerns about his health
Qureshi’s daughter, Meher Bano, had raised concerns about his fall in a post on social media platform X last week. She said she learned about the incident from family members who had met him at the jail.
“Three-and-half years ago a hale and hearty lion heart was sent to jail on trumped up charges … For over two years, he has been in Kot Lakhpat jail now facing ludicrous and false charges relating to May 9. He has been acquitted multiple times but [remains] behind bars due to the government’s malafide,” she alleged.
His son, Zain Qureshi, also spoke about the incident after meeting his father in jail. He said his father had told him that he collapsed while walking inside his prison barracks.
Son demands CT scan and dental treatment
Zain called on prison authorities to arrange a CT scan so doctors could properly assess his father’s health. He also asked them to arrange treatment for a cracked tooth.
“I request the prison authorities to immediately arrange for a CT scan so that his health condition can be thoroughly assessed. Furthermore, he should be taken to a qualified dentist for the treatment of a cracked tooth,” he said on X.
The family’s concerns have added to calls for proper medical care for the jailed PTI leader. His relatives want a complete health examination and treatment for the problems reported after his fall.
PTI committee also expresses concern
The PTI core committee had also raised concerns about Qureshi’s health during a meeting on November 6. It discussed his fall and the possible impact on his medical condition.
The committee urged the relevant courts, government and prison authorities to shift him to a hospital without delay. It also demanded a complete medical examination and any treatment required by doctors.
Qureshi has been indicted in several cases connected to the May 9 violence. In July 2024, a Lahore anti-terrorism court indicted him in a case registered by Shadman police over the alleged attack on and burning of a police station.
Qureshi’s hospital visit has renewed concerns about the medical care available to him in jail. His family and party are asking for a detailed examination to make sure that no health problem is overlooked.
Doctors’ assessment will help clarify whether his fall caused any serious injury. The prison authorities are also under pressure to ensure that he receives timely medical and dental treatment.
Also read: Imran Khan undergoes medical check-up at PIMS Hospital, shifted back to jail
