The personal physician of Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan has stated that he is unable to verify reports of an "improvement" in Khan's eyesight, citing a lack of access to the former leader. Dr. Aasim Yusuf made these remarks in a video message posted on social media platform X on Monday, following an examination of Khan by a panel of eye specialists at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi.
Medical Assessment Under Scrutiny
Dr. Yusuf explained that prison doctors briefed him by phone on Sunday about positive developments in Khan's eye condition and the treatment he has received since late January. At that time, Khan underwent a medical procedure at a hospital in Islamabad after complaining of partial vision loss. However, Yusuf emphasized that without direct access to his patient, he could not confirm the accuracy of these reports.
"I would have been extremely happy if I could verify the reported improvement," Yusuf stated. "Unfortunately, because I have not seen him myself and have not been able to participate in his care or speak with him, I am unable to either confirm or deny the veracity of what we have been told."
Government and Court Involvement
The examination was conducted following an order from Pakistan's Supreme Court, which intervened after concerns about Khan's eyesight surfaced when the government revealed he had undergone a brief eye procedure. Cabinet minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry wrote on X that a detailed medical examination conducted inside Adiala prison found Khan's eyesight had improved with "no major complications."
Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, had previously informed the court that Khan had lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye, prompting alarm among supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This revelation led to protests in Islamabad and other cities, with demonstrators demanding Khan's transfer to a hospital for proper medical care.
Political Context and Protests
The 73-year-old former prime minister has been imprisoned since 2023 following a conviction in a corruption case. He was removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Khan has consistently alleged that his ouster resulted from a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and the military—claims that have been denied by Washington, Pakistan's military, and political opponents including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Despite his legal challenges, Khan remains a significant political figure with a substantial support base. Some PTI lawmakers and allies have maintained a sit-in outside parliament since last week, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding his imprisonment and medical treatment.
Calls for Hospital Treatment
Dr. Yusuf has called for any further medical treatment to be conducted at a hospital in Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of proper medical facilities for Khan's ongoing care. The situation continues to draw attention to the intersection of healthcare, legal proceedings, and political dynamics in Pakistan.
