ISLAMABAD/LONDON – UNS : International media attention surrounding former prime minister and Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan’s imprisonment and access to medical care has intensified, with the issue also increasingly surfacing during coverage of Pakistan’s cricket engagements in England.
During the recent Pakistan-England match, British television coverage featured interviews with Imran Khan’s sons, while commentators also discussed concerns surrounding the former prime minister. The coverage reportedly caused unease in Pakistani cricketing and government circles.
Former Pakistan captain and ex-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has now also spoken about Imran Khan, expressing concern over reports regarding his health and strongly defending his right to express his views.
Responding to calls for restrictions on his commentary, Raja rejected suggestions that the Pakistani government determines or finances his international commentary assignments.
“Some people in the government are under the misconception that they pay me for commentary or send me abroad for commentary assignments,” Raja said. He maintained that he receives invitations from international broadcasters and sponsors and is currently working in England after being invited by a BBC radio and audio platform for coverage of the Pakistan-England series.
Raja said it was his personal and professional right to decide what issues or individuals he discussed during his commentary and challenged those calling for restrictions to prevent him from working internationally.
“You cannot stop me from doing commentary around the world, nor can you restrict me from expressing my opinion,” Raja said, adding that he would continue to voice his views.
His remarks came after Senator Afnan Ullah Khan reportedly called for restrictions on Raja’s commentary following his reference to Imran Khan’s health during BBC coverage.
Raja, while discussing the former Pakistan captain’s reported health condition, said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation.
The controversy comes amid continuing political debate over Imran Khan’s imprisonment, his medical treatment and allegations that he has been kept in prolonged isolation. His supporters and family have raised concerns about his treatment, while the government and prison authorities have disputed various allegations surrounding his detention.
