The family of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has voiced profound alarm regarding his deteriorating health, following authorities' refusal to permit hospital treatment for a serious eye condition. The 73-year-old political leader, imprisoned for over two years, has reportedly lost nearly 85 percent of the vision in his right eye and underwent surgery in late January to remove a blood clot, according to his legal representatives.
Supreme Court Order Ignored Amid Medical Concerns
Pakistan's Supreme Court had mandated that authorities provide Khan with a comprehensive medical evaluation by a panel of doctors and allow him a telephone call with his sons before Monday. However, instead of transferring him to a specialist eye hospital in Rawalpindi that had prepared to receive him on Sunday, Khan was examined within the prison compound. This assessment occurred without the presence of his personal physicians or any family members, raising significant questions about transparency and credibility.
Family and Party Reject Government-Appointed Assessment
Khan's sisters, Noreen Khanum and Aleema Khanum, publicly rejected any evaluation conducted by government-appointed doctors, labeling the process as "unacceptable." Aleema Khanum emphasized that her brother should not receive any treatment without the approval and presence of his personal doctors and family. She expressed the family's escalating worry over authorities' resistance to selecting specialists recommended by Khan's own medical team.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which Khan leads, condemned the "closed-door" procedure, stating it lacks credibility and deepens suspicion. PTI spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari denounced the secretive medical examination, arguing that it raises more questions than answers and fails to ensure transparency in Khan's care.
Health Issues as Political Flashpoint
Khan's eye condition has become the latest focal point in the ongoing controversy surrounding his incarceration on charges he and his party claim are politically motivated. His family has repeatedly accused prison authorities of denying him adequate treatment, alleging that his vision has worsened due to their inaction. Additionally, fears persist about another potential attempt on Khan's life, following a 2022 assassination attempt during a rally that left him with long-term health issues, including nerve damage.
Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, disclosed that Khan began experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision last October. Since then, he has appeared visibly disturbed and deeply distressed by the vision loss and the absence of timely, specialized medical intervention, as noted in a recent public filing.
Government Response and Denials
The government has denied allegations of withholding treatment from Khan, providing conflicting details about when he first reported sight issues. Rana Sanaullah, a special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stated that Khan first reported the problem in early January and that doctors have been examining him every two days, rejecting claims that prison officials ignored earlier complaints.
Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, announced that further check-ups would be conducted at a specialized medical facility by eye specialists, with a detailed report submitted to the Supreme Court. He urged avoidance of conjecture and speculation, framing the issue as being exploited for political gain.
Broader Political Context and Sporting Community Concern
Khan served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 to 2022 before being ousted by a parliamentary vote of no confidence. He has alleged that his removal resulted from a US-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, claims denied by Washington, Pakistan's military, and his opponents. Since his ouster, Khan has faced numerous criminal and civil cases, which he asserts are designed to prevent him from running for office again. He and his wife were sentenced to 17 years in jail for illegally retaining and selling state gifts.
Concern extends beyond political circles, with former cricket teammates expressing solidarity. Wasim Akram, a Pakistan cricket legend, described the situation as "heartbreaking" and called for authorities to ensure Khan receives the best possible medical care. Another former captain, Waqar Younis, appealed for urgent treatment, highlighting Khan's contributions to sports and healthcare through a cancer hospital that has aided many, including his own mother.
The ongoing medical and political saga underscores the tensions surrounding Khan's imprisonment, with his health becoming a critical issue for his supporters and critics alike.
