Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged the government to give Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan “fair treatment.”
Akram said he misses Khan as a friend, mentor and leader. He made the remarks during the “Old Boys, New Balls” podcast, which former England captain Ian Botham co-hosted.
“We would like to thank all the captains that recently signed a petition for Imran,” Akram said.
Wasim Akram Says He Misses Imran Khan
Speaking about his former captain, Akram said he missed Khan as a friend and mentor. He added that many people also missed him as a leader.
“We have not seen his picture for three years,” Akram said.
Akram played a key role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team under Khan. He urged the government to treat the former prime minister in the same way it had treated other politicians in the past.
He also expressed hope that Khan would be released soon. According to Akram, the nation remains behind the former prime minister.
Former Captains Appeal for Khan’s Medical Care
Akram’s comments came weeks after 21 former international cricket captains renewed their appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over Khan’s medical treatment.
The former captains called for the imprisoned PTI founder to receive medical care in line with the Supreme Court’s directives.
On August 18, a three-member Supreme Court bench ordered Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital for medical assessment and treatment within two days.
However, authorities instead took Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present.
Doctors Declare Imran Khan Medically Fit
Tarar said Khan underwent a medical examination in the presence of his sister and doctors.
A team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, carried out a detailed examination. The doctors later declared Khan “medically fit.”
PTI subsequently filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court. The party alleged that the government had violated the court’s order regarding Khan’s transfer to the hospital.
Imran Khan Remains in Jail
Khan, 73, has remained in jail since August 2023 after authorities convicted him in several cases.
Khan and PTI maintain that the cases against him are politically motivated.
Akram’s latest remarks add to growing calls from former cricket figures for fair treatment and proper medical care for the former prime minister.
