Pakistan SC Orders Medical Board for Imran Khan's Vision Loss

Pakistan's Supreme Court has taken a significant step in addressing the deteriorating health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, ordering the formation of a medical board to assess his reported vision loss in his right eye. This directive comes in response to concerns voiced by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and detailed in a report submitted by his court-appointed lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar. According to Safdar's report, which was based on a meeting with Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, the former prime minister claims to have only 15% vision remaining in his right eye. Khan reportedly experienced a rapid and substantial decline in his eyesight starting around October 2025, with initial complaints to jail authorities allegedly being ignored. He claims that for nearly three months, the only treatment provided was eye drops, which proved ineffective, leading to a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye. A diagnosis from an ophthalmologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital identified a blood clot causing significant damage, a condition known as central retinal vein occlusion. Despite receiving some treatment, including an injection, the vision loss in his right eye is reported to be severe and potentially permanent. Khan has also reportedly complained about a lack of dental care, despite being 73 years old and requiring consultation. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, has ordered that Khan undergo a detailed medical examination by a constituted medical board before February 16. The court emphasized the importance of Khan's health and that it is the state's responsibility to provide adequate medical care. Furthermore, the bench instructed authorities to facilitate communication between Imran Khan and his two sons, who reside in the United Kingdom. This aspect of the court's order highlights the broader concerns regarding Khan's welfare and his access to family support during his incarceration. The PTI has consistently raised alarms about Khan's health, alleging that he is being denied proper medical treatment and access to his personal physicians. The party has accused the authorities of negligence and of deliberately withholding adequate care, which they believe has exacerbated his condition. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, following his conviction in a corruption case, a conviction he and his party maintain are politically motivated. Earlier reports from January 2026 indicated that Khan had undergone a brief medical procedure for an eye condition at an Islamabad hospital. However, his family stated they were not consulted prior to this procedure, adding to the concerns surrounding his medical care. The Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, had previously stated that Khan was in good health following this procedure, a statement that contrasted with the PTI's ongoing claims of inadequate treatment. The legal and political ramifications of Khan's health situation continue to unfold. The Supreme Court's intervention signifies the gravity with which his condition is being treated at the highest judicial level. The case also underscores the broader issues of prisoner rights and access to healthcare within Pakistan's legal system. The situation remains a focal point of political discourse, with Khan's supporters actively monitoring his well-being and demanding accountability for any alleged mistreatment. The court's directive for a comprehensive medical examination and improved communication access marks a critical development in this ongoing saga, with further updates expected as the medical board convenes. The events leading to this judicial intervention paint a picture of a high-profile political prisoner whose health concerns have become a significant point of contention. The timeline indicates a progression from reported blurred vision and delayed treatment to a diagnosis of a serious retinal vein occlusion, culminating in the Supreme Court's direct involvement. The focus now shifts to the findings of the medical board and the subsequent actions taken by the authorities to ensure Khan's well-being.

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