Imran Khan’s Health Concerns Escalate as Eye Exam Sparks Controversy
Rawalpindi, Pakistan – – Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent an eye examination at Adiala Jail on , prompting a strong reaction from his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have denounced the process as “malicious.” The examination comes amid growing concerns over Khan’s health and deteriorating vision, and as supporters continue a sit-in protest at Parliament House demanding improved medical care for the former leader.
According to a statement released by Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig, a team of five specialist doctors from various hospitals conducted a detailed eye check-up on Khan. The team arrived equipped with necessary medical supplies and operated under the supervision of a two-member medical board, with strict security measures in place. A report detailing the findings of the examination is expected to be compiled shortly.
However, the PTI has vehemently rejected the examination, alleging it was conducted without the presence of Khan’s family or his personal physicians. The party views this exclusion as a deliberate act and has demanded that Khan be allowed access to a medical team of his choosing and receive comprehensive evaluation at a tertiary hospital in Islamabad.
The controversy surrounding Khan’s health has intensified in recent weeks. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, recently informed the Supreme Court that Khan has lost approximately 85% of his vision in his right eye, attributing the damage to a blood clot and a lack of timely medical intervention. Safdar stated that Khan began experiencing blurred vision three to four months ago, but despite informing jail authorities, only eye drops were provided initially.
Safdar submitted a report to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, and Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan detailing Khan’s condition and requesting access to expert ophthalmologists, family visits, and improved prison conditions. The court subsequently ruled that Khan would be granted access to his personal physicians while incarcerated at Adiala Jail and permitted to contact his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, by telephone.
The situation has drawn attention from human rights organizations and civil leaders, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) warning that denying adequate medical treatment to prisoners violates their constitutional rights. Concerns are mounting that the conditions of Khan’s imprisonment are exacerbating his health issues.
Adding to the pressure, Al-Shifa Eye Hospital has reportedly reserved 10 rooms for Khan’s potential treatment, signaling a preparedness to provide specialized care should he be transferred to their facility. This move comes as opposition parties plan a protest today over Khan’s deteriorating eye condition.
Khan was previously examined at Islamabad’s PIMS hospital on , where a minister, Ata Tarar, stated that Khan was “fine, and healthy.” However, Safdar’s recent report paints a starkly different picture, describing Khan as “visibly perturbed and deeply distressed” by the loss of vision and the perceived lack of appropriate medical attention.
The PTI continues to maintain that the government is deliberately attempting to conceal the true extent of Khan’s health problems. The party’s rejection of the recent eye examination underscores the deep distrust between them and the current administration, raising serious questions about the transparency and impartiality of medical care provided to the former prime minister while in custody.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring Khan receives the necessary medical attention and that his rights as a prisoner are fully respected. The ongoing protests and legal challenges highlight the growing political and humanitarian concerns surrounding his case.
