Imran is recuperating fast, say medics

PTI chief may address May 9 rally in Islamabad via video link.

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is recuperating fast after falling off a makeshift lift, medics said on Wednesday.

Senior PTI leaders, meanwhile, said that Imran would address a public rally in Islamabad on May 9 via video link.

Dr Faisal Sultan, the chief executive officer of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, where Imran is being treated, said the PTI chief would definitely require bed rest for the next three days. He didn’t say when it would be possible for Imran to resume his normal life.

Imran, who had a total of 15 stitches in his head and suffered two minor back fractures, has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a private room.

There are minor fractures in his backbone – C3, T1, T5, T6 – and his left third rib, but there is nothing to  be alarmed about, Dr
Sultan told a media briefing. “No damage is done to his skull and brain. All his body parts are functioning and there is no problem in his neurological structure. He can sit till an angle of 45 degree.”



According to Dr Sultan, three senior doctors from Pakistan Army voluntarily examined Imran and went through his test reports. “Other consultants from different medical institutes are also onboard and we are satisfied with Imran’s recovery.”

“The important thing is that the spinal canal is intact and Imran is in full control of his limbs and his body functions.” Dr Sultan said. It was only by the grace of God that Imran had not suffered any ‘neurological compromises’, he added.

A radiologist said that “compression fracture of T6 vertebral body with 40 per cent height loss” resulted in the fractured piece hitting the lung. “Some air from the lung leaked out. He should not put weight on his vertebra as it will pain when he breathes. This condition, however, is not problematic if he rests for two to three weeks.”

The report also mentions a “minimally displaced fracture of the tip of C3 spious process”. The radiologist explained that this is “the third vertebra of neck and it would get fixed pretty soon.”

Regarding a left third rib fracture, he said it does cause pain is of a minor nature. “There is no blood in the brain and the skull bone is intact. There is some blood clotting under stitches but is not a serious concern,” said the doctor who studied the report. “Two to three weeks rest is advised but if moving is absolutely necessary he can move with backbone support.”

Fans throng hospital

Hundreds of fans remain outside the hospital awaiting more news of Imran’s condition as they were not allowed to meet him.

“I am here to show my support and solidarity with Imran Khan. He is the one who can get the country on the road to progress,” said Hamza Ahmad, one of the youngsters gathered outside the hospital.

Besides others, former Pakistan team skippers Shahid Afridi and Inzamamul Haq also visited him in hospital on Wednesday.

‘A video address possible’

Senior PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Javed Hashmi and Shireen Mazari, said the May 9 public meeting in Islamabad would take place as per schedule. A senior member of PTI said Imran was likely to address the rally via video link.

“A recorded message by Imran might be played at the rally but more chances are that he will address the meeting through a video link.” Speaking at a news conference, Hashmi said that 95 per cent of the election campaign had already been completed and that “PTI will get vote as a result of its 17-year-long struggle and not because of some sympathy wave.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2013.