New Delhi: Fourteen former international cricket captains, including Indian greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have come together in an unusual show of solidarity, urging the Pakistan government to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former Pakistan captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently jailed in Rawalpindi on corruption charges. The appeal came after reports mentioned that Khan’s health has worsened in custody. He has reportedly lost substantial vision and also family access has been limited.
The players wrote that for many across the cricketing world, Khan is not just a former political leader under trial, but the charismatic all-rounder who inspired a generation and led Pakistan to its historic 1992 ODI World Cup win. In their joint letter, the former captains said that beyond politics, basic dignity, medical access and fair legal process should be guaranteed — values, they added, that sport itself teaches.
Imran Khan’s achievements
After retiring, Khan established the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, a charitable institution inspired by his mother’s struggle with cancer. He later entered politics, founding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party in 1996.
During his years in office after 2018 election victory he put greater emphasis on welfare delivery reforms. His flagship Ehsaas Programme built a wide social safety net — from direct cash aid and food support to scholarships, shelters and disability assistance. During the Covid crisis, the Ehsaas Emergency Cash initiative reached millions of vulnerable families, while the National Command and Operation Centre coordinated what became known as Pakistan’s “smart lockdown” response.
Healthcare access expanded through the Health Card scheme, allowing low-income families to receive treatment in public and private hospitals. His government also pushed environmental action through the Billion Tree Tsunami campaign.
he was also responsible for several structural and digital reforms — including Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, and the Roshan Digital Account for overseas Pakistanis to invest and send money home more easily. Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list during his tenure improved its financial standing internationally.
Other achievements of his government included opening the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, launching farmer subsidies through the Kisan Card, starting the Pakistan Citizen Portal for public complaints, and rolling out youth and housing support schemes.