Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Urgent Medical Review for Ex-PM Imran Khan Amid Reports of Severe Vision Loss
ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a directive for an immediate and urgent medical examination of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan following alarming reports regarding his deteriorating health. The apex court’s intervention comes in response to submissions by Khan’s legal team, which allege that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has suffered a significant loss of vision in his right eye due to alleged medical neglect while in custody.
During recent proceedings, concerns were raised that the 71-year-old cricket-star-turned-politician has lost approximately 85 percent of the vision in his right eye. His counsel argued that this condition is a direct result of the prison administration failing to provide adequate medical attention and specialized care required for his condition. The specific nature of the eye ailment has not been detailed in official public statements, but the severity of the alleged vision loss prompted the court to take immediate notice.
The Supreme Court bench expressed concern over the reports and emphasized the state’s constitutional obligation to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all prisoners, regardless of their political status. Consequently, the court has ordered that a board of qualified ophthalmologists and medical experts conduct a thorough review of Mr. Khan’s condition without delay. The medical report is expected to verify the extent of the vision loss and recommend necessary treatments or interventions to prevent further deterioration.
Imran Khan has been detained at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023. He faces dozens of legal cases ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets, charges he maintains are politically motivated to keep him out of active politics. Since his arrest, his legal team and family have frequently voiced complaints regarding his prison conditions. They have alleged that he is being held in solitary confinement in a small, insect-infested cell and has been denied access to his personal physicians, a claim that government officials and prison authorities have repeatedly denied. Authorities have previously stated that Khan is receiving all facilities he is entitled to under the law, including regular medical check-ups by prison doctors.
The claims of vision loss add a serious dimension to the ongoing legal and political standoff between the PTI and the current administration. Human rights organizations and international observers have previously urged Pakistani authorities to ensure fair treatment and due process for the former premier. The revelation of potential permanent physical damage is likely to intensify calls from his supporters for his release or transfer to a medical facility.
As the situation develops, the focus now shifts to the findings of the court-mandated medical board. The Supreme Court has indicated that it will review the medical report immediately upon submission to determine if further judicial orders regarding Khan’s custody conditions or medical treatment are necessary.
