Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision in his right eye is improving, with swelling decreasing following treatment, according to sources.
Last week, Khan’s lawyer and amicus curiae Salman Safdar submitted a report before the Supreme Court in which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder claimed he had experienced 85% loss in his right eye. A two-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi ordered the formation of a medical team to examine him before Feb. 16 (today) and also directed authorities to ensure he speaks with his U.K.-based sons via telephone.
Over the weekend, the government undertook the medical examination in Adiala Jail, with both government and PTI sources confirming the treatment was underway. Referring to the examination, they said it took place on Sunday afternoon and an initial report suggested “no major complications.”
According to local media, doctors examined Khan with a slit lamp, an OCT scan machine and a fully equipped ambulance, which were deployed to Adiala Jail. Dr. Arif of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Trust Hospital conducted the examination, with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan informed of all developments.
The sources said Khan’s vision was improving with the ongoing treatment and it was decided to persist with the present course rather than switch to a different medication. Jail authorities have also decided to conduct an angiogram to determine any underlying conditions that may be impacting Khan’s vision.
Sources within the government have said jail authorities have forwarded Khan’s medical record to the Punjab Home Department, including details on all his vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood sugar levels.
Physician controversy
Meanwhile, one of Khan’s sisters, Aleema, has criticized the government’s refusal to include the incarcerated PTI founder’s personal physicians or family members in the medical team examining her brother.
In a posting on X, she alleged the government had rejected the specialist recommended by the family, as well as the names of the family members proposed by them. “This is unacceptable! Our concerns are growing as to why are they rejecting our family member to be present?” she questioned.
The government is due to submit a report confirming Khan’s condition before the Supreme Court today (Monday). Amidst the ongoing treatment, lawmakers from the PTI and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) are staging a sit-in at Parliament House demanding he be shifted to hospital for his treatment.
Supporters of the PTI are likewise staging sit-ins in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, blocking several major arteries connecting the province to the rest of the country.