Imran Khan to Undergo Specialized Eye Treatment Following Supreme Court Directive
Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar announced on Saturday that imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will receive treatment for an eye condition at a specialized medical facility. This development comes days after the Supreme Court ordered a comprehensive medical evaluation amid growing concerns about the cricketer-turned-politician's deteriorating eyesight.
Medical Examination and Treatment Plan
Minister Tarar stated on social media platform X that leading eye specialists will conduct a thorough examination as part of Khan's ongoing treatment regimen. The treatment process initially began in late January after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder-chairman reported partial vision loss in his right eye.
The minister emphasized that a detailed medical report will be submitted to the Supreme Court as required. However, he did not disclose specific details regarding the medical facility or the exact date of treatment. Tarar urged the public to refrain from speculation, posting: "Conjecture, speculations and efforts to turn this into political rhetoric and mileage for vested interests may please be avoided."
Legal Proceedings and Health Concerns
Earlier this week, Khan's lawyer and PTI member Salman Safdar informed the Supreme Court that the former premier had lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye. In response, the court directed authorities to:
- Arrange a medical assessment by a panel of qualified doctors
- Facilitate a telephone conversation between Khan and his two UK-based sons before February 16
PTI supporters have organized protests in Islamabad and other major cities, demanding their party chief be transferred from prison to a hospital for specialized medical attention. Some lawmakers from PTI and allied parties have even initiated a sit-in protest outside Parliament to amplify their demands.
Family Concerns and Political Context
Meanwhile, Khan's sister Aleema Khan expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government's announcement, claiming the family had not been consulted about the treatment arrangements. She insisted that family members and Khan's personal physician should be present during any medical procedures.
Aleema Khan confirmed that authorities had arranged the court-mandated telephone call between her brother and his two sons, who reside with their mother and Khan's former wife, British screenwriter and producer Jemima Goldsmith.
The former prime minister was removed from office through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. Khan has consistently alleged that his ouster resulted from a US-backed "conspiracy" involving political rivals and Pakistan's then army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa. These allegations have been firmly denied by Washington, Pakistan's military establishment, and Khan's political opponents.
Political Landscape and Electoral Dynamics
Despite facing multiple legal challenges, the PTI chief remains a central and immensely popular political figure in Pakistan. His party continues to demand his unconditional release from imprisonment.
The issue of Khan's partial vision loss first emerged in late January when the federal government disclosed that the former premier had undergone a medical procedure for an eye condition and was reportedly in good health.
In the February 2024 parliamentary elections, PTI made a significant electoral showing but failed to secure a majority in the National Assembly, Pakistan's lower house of Parliament. The party has alleged widespread vote "rigging," a claim the current government has categorically denied.
The medical treatment announcement has intensified the already charged political atmosphere in Pakistan, with Khan's health becoming both a medical concern and a focal point of political discourse. The situation continues to evolve as authorities implement the Supreme Court's directives regarding the former prime minister's healthcare needs.
