The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed concern over reports alleging incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan is suffering from a medical condition in his eye, though his family members have dismissed the same reports.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the PTI cited “credible media reports” of doctors diagnosing Khan with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye. “According to medical experts who reportedly checked him in jail, this is an extremely sensitive and serious medical condition which, if not treated promptly and properly, carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight,” it claimed, adding the same reports cited the Adiala Jail administration as insisting the treatment be administered within jail premises.
Alleging that an attending specialist doctor had said treating the ailment was “not possible in jail and that it requires an operation theater and specialized medical facilities,” the PTI warned that denying the party founder proper treatment placed his vision and overall health in “grave danger.”
In its X post, the PTI said the former prime minister was last granted access to his personal physician in October 2024. It said this was a “blatant violation of court orders and a gross breach of fundamental human rights” and demanded Khan be permitted a meeting with his family and close associates to ensure his health was fine. It also demanded Khan be admitted to “Shaukat Khanum Hospital or to any other reputable hospital of his own choice” so he could receive the proper treatment.
The party warned that any potential permanent damage to Khan’s eyesight would be the responsibility of the government and the jail administration.
Subsequently, the Shaukat Khanum Hospital administration posted on its own X account, seeking “immediate” access to Khan. Noting it was “impossible” for the hospital to verify the reports of Khan’s ailment, “we are obviously gravely concerned” as to Khan’s health.
“While we have every confidence in the abilities and professionalism of the physicians currently looking after him, we nevertheless request that a team of physicians from Shaukat Khanum Hospital be given immediate access to Khan Sb. and be allowed to participate in his care, so as to reassure all those we are concerned for his welfare,” it added.
Reports dismissed
Separately, while speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, Khan’s sister Noreen Khan dismissed the reports, maintaining her brother had no eye-related issue and was in good health. Alleging that the reports were “fake news” aimed at creating confusion, she said Khan had shared no news of any eye ailment during the family’s last visit with him in December.