Imran Khan's Jail Eye Exam Triggers Political Controversy in Pakistan
In a development that has ignited fresh political tensions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan underwent an eye examination at Adiala Jail on Sunday. This procedure was conducted following a directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, but it has been met with fierce criticism from his party and family members.
Medical Team Conducts Detailed Examination Amid Protests
According to reports from Dawn, a five-member medical team carried out a comprehensive examination that lasted approximately one hour. The doctors collected blood samples, measured blood pressure, and utilized their own equipment for the assessment. The process reportedly commenced after a delay of two and a half hours, with a detailed medical report expected to be compiled soon.
Shortly after the examination concluded around 5:30 PM, PTI issued a strong statement on social media platform X, vehemently rejecting the procedure. The party raised serious objections to the absence of Imran Khan's family members and his personal physicians during the medical check-up.
PTI's Strong Objections and Legal Arguments
The PTI statement declared, "Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf categorically rejects the recent conduct of the government and jail administration regarding the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan's eye in Adiala Jail. The government's claim that a message was sent to the party leadership to arrive at the jail at the time of the examination is, in fact, a crude attempt to divert attention from the core issue."
Elaborating on their position, the party emphasized, "This matter was never about the presence or absence of the party leadership. In such sensitive and delicate medical matters, the constitutional, moral, and legal right to make decisions belongs to Imran Khan's family. The family cannot make an informed decision until Imran Khan's personal doctors are present for the examination. Therefore, inviting the party leadership symbolically has neither any moral rationale nor any legal justification."
Family Members Voice Concerns and Demand Transparency
Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khanum, echoed these concerns, stating that no medical board would be accepted without the approval of his personal doctors. Referring to reports about a potential transfer to Al-Shifa Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi, she reiterated, "Our demand has been clear from the beginning. Imran Khan shall not be given any treatment without the presence and approval of his personal doctors and family members."
She further asserted, "We do not accept any medical board they set up and control! We do not accept any reports or results they manufacture." Questioning the motives behind excluding family and recommended doctors, she asked pointedly, "Why are they rejecting the supervision by Imran Khan's personal doctors? Why are they rejecting the presence of Imran Khan's family members? Why such fierce resistance? Are they hiding something?"
Background of Supreme Court Intervention
The examination was ordered by the Supreme Court after Imran Khan claimed on February 12 that his right eye retained only 15 percent vision. The court directed the formation of a medical board to assess his condition and also permitted him to speak with his children before February 16.
Although government officials had suggested on Saturday that Imran might be transferred to a hospital, no such move occurred by Sunday afternoon. At 3:45 PM, his sister Noreen Khanum reported that an ambulance had arrived at the jail, but she emphasized, "But, this is unacceptable to us without us and Khan sahib's personal doctors being taken into confidence."
Jail Administration Clarifies Position
The jail superintendent dismissed transfer rumors as "unfounded," clarifying that only a medical examination was underway. He explained, "The medical team will examine Imran's eyes, conduct different tests, and decide whether there is a requirement to move him to a hospital or if he can be retained in jail and continue the treatment here."
Previous Medical Procedures and Doctor Recommendations
Imran Khan had previously undergone a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on January 24, though limited information was shared with his family at that time. His personal physicians, Dr. Aasim Yusuf and Dr. Faisal Sultan, have called for a comprehensive evaluation at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
In a joint video statement, they emphasized, "In addition to urgent retina specialist care for his central retinal vein occlusion and severe vision loss, Imran Khan needs a full multidisciplinary evaluation of his underlying conditions at a tertiary hospital like Shifa International Islamabad."
Political Protests and Human Rights Concerns
Meanwhile, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance continued its sit-in at Parliament House for the third consecutive day, demanding that Imran be treated at a hospital chosen by his personal doctors. PTI MNA Asad Qaiser told reporters, "We will not compromise on Imran's health."
A TTAP leader revealed that initial plans to shift Imran to Shifa International collapsed due to disagreements over the medical board's composition. The alliance also alleged that access to food, water, and medicines inside Parliament House had been blocked for three days, describing the reported denial of medicine to Senator Abbas as an "extreme and condemnable act."
Vowing to continue their protest, TTAP stated, "History bears witness that tyrannical tricks, sieges, and oppression have never suppressed movements, nor forced those standing firm on the right side to back down from their demands."
Human Rights Commission Expresses Alarm
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed grave concern over the health of PTI-affiliated prisoners, particularly Imran Khan and Yasmin Rashid. The commission urged authorities to ensure immediate independent medical examinations and uninterrupted access to treatment, highlighting broader human rights implications of the situation.
