PTI Sounds Alarm Over Imran Khan's Critical Eye Condition in Prison
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has voiced grave concerns regarding the deteriorating health of its incarcerated founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan. In an official statement released on Tuesday, the party highlighted what it described as a serious medical emergency that threatens Khan's eyesight.
Diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
According to credible reports cited by PTI, Imran Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye. The party characterized this condition as a dangerous blockage of the retinal vein that necessitates immediate and specialized medical intervention. Medical experts who examined Khan within Adiala jail reportedly warned that the situation is extremely sensitive and carries a high risk of permanent vision damage if not treated promptly.
Demands for Proper Medical Care
PTI has made several urgent demands, including:
- An unrestricted meeting between Imran Khan and his family members
- Transfer to a hospital of his choice, specifically mentioning Shaukat Khanum Hospital
- Immediate access to proper medical facilities including an operation theatre
The party criticized jail authorities for insisting on providing treatment within prison premises, calling this approach reckless and inadequate for the required medical care.
Allegations of Medical Neglect
PTI further alleged that despite directives from the Islamabad High Court, Imran Khan last met his personal physician in October 2024, with no subsequent medical examinations permitted. The party noted that a petition seeking regular medical check-ups has been pending since August 2025, describing the situation as a blatant violation of court orders and a gross breach of fundamental human rights.
"This is not just about politics; this is about health and human life," the party emphasized in its statement, accusing the government of prioritizing political vendetta over a prisoner's wellbeing.
Hospital Expresses Concern
Shaukat Khanum Hospital, founded by Imran Khan himself, has also expressed grave concern about his condition. While expressing confidence in the doctors currently attending to him, the hospital requested that its medical team be granted immediate access to examine Khan and participate in his care to reassure those concerned about his welfare.
Family Members Question Reports
Meanwhile, Imran Khan's sisters have raised questions about the authenticity of reports regarding his eye condition. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala jail, Noreen Khanum stated that the family had received no official information from jail authorities about any such diagnosis.
"If this is true, we should have been informed so that we could have taken him to the hospital for treatment," she said, suggesting that rumors might be circulating to mislead and distress people.
Another sister, Aleema Khanum, criticized the jail administration for not sharing updates with the family or legal team, questioning how such information could be leaked without official involvement. She maintained that the family's primary demand remains Khan's release, noting he has been incarcerated for over two-and-a-half years.
Legal and Political Developments
In related developments:
- PTI lawmakers arrived at the Islamabad High Court to file a fresh petition seeking permission to meet Imran Khan
- PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized that meeting a prisoner is a legal right
- The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan alleged that Khan's sisters were "wrongfully confined" and described this as another misuse of state power
The party warned that if Imran Khan suffers permanent damage to his eyesight, the government and Adiala jail administration would be held responsible for obstructing his treatment despite medical advice and court orders.
