Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan is confronting a severe medical crisis that could result in irreversible damage to his vision, according to urgent warnings from his political party. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has disclosed that Khan has been diagnosed with a serious eye condition while in custody, raising alarm over his deteriorating health and the restrictions placed on his access to proper medical care.
Mounting Health Concerns in Incarceration
The 73-year-old former leader, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 serving multiple sentences for corruption and state secrets offences, is reportedly suffering from central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye. This condition involves a blockage in the retinal vein and, if left untreated, carries a high risk of permanent eyesight damage. PTI officials state that Khan is already experiencing blurred vision, emphasising the urgent need for specialist medical intervention.
Allegations of Denied Access and Medical Neglect
Khan's party has launched scathing accusations against prison authorities, claiming they have prevented his personal physician from Shaukat Khanum Hospital from examining him for several months. Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, a PTI spokesperson and close aide to Khan, described the situation as "a serious and rapidly escalating concern" requiring immediate attention. Bukhari stressed that any further delay in treatment could result in irreversible harm to Khan's eyesight, calling the restrictions "reckless" and warning they place his health in "grave danger."
Extended Isolation and Legal Access Issues
The health concerns compound existing tensions over Khan's treatment in detention. His lawyers and party leaders assert they have been denied access to him for approximately three months, despite court orders permitting family members and legal counsel to visit twice weekly. PTI recently claimed Khan had spent 100 days without contact with his legal team, raising significant questions about due process and the fairness of ongoing legal proceedings against the former prime minister.
Protests outside Adiala prison demanding access to Khan have been met with tear gas and water cannon by authorities. Bukhari earlier characterised the denial of legal access as "absurd" given the multitude of cases being pursued against Khan, suggesting authorities "do not want any communication with Imran Khan" because his statements generate substantial public attention and guidance even from confinement.
Political Context and Official Responses
Khan served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 until his removal through a no-confidence vote in 2022, following deteriorating relations with the country's powerful military establishment. Since his arrest, he has faced over 100 legal cases, receiving a three-year prison sentence for selling state gifts followed by an additional 14-year term in January 2025. His wife, Bushra Bibi, remains imprisoned after receiving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption case.
Pakistani authorities have yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations regarding Khan's medical treatment. Previously, they have rejected claims of mistreatment, maintaining that Khan receives the same facilities as other inmates. However, the PTI's warnings about potential permanent vision loss have intensified scrutiny on the conditions of his detention and the broader political context of his imprisonment.
