The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has voiced serious apprehensions regarding the worsening health condition of its incarcerated founder, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the party highlighted that Khan is reportedly suffering from an eye ailment that poses a significant threat of permanent vision loss if not addressed with proper medical intervention.
Medical Diagnosis and Urgent Concerns
According to credible media reports cited by the PTI, Imran Khan has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye. This condition involves a dangerous blockage in the retinal vein, which medical experts describe as an extremely sensitive and serious health issue. The party emphasized that without prompt and appropriate treatment, there is a high risk of irreversible damage to Khan's eyesight.
Obstacles to Proper Treatment
Despite the critical nature of this diagnosis, the PTI statement alleged that the jail administration is persistently insisting that any treatment be conducted within the prison premises. However, the attending specialist doctor has reportedly clarified that such medical care is not feasible in a jail setting, as it requires access to an operation theatre and specialized medical facilities. The PTI condemned this stance as reckless, warning that it endangers Khan's vision and overall health.
Violations of Court Orders and Human Rights
The party further pointed out that Khan was last permitted to consult his personal physician in October 2024. Since then, despite clear directives from the Islamabad High Court, his personal doctor has not been allowed to examine him. The PTI labeled this as a blatant violation of court orders and a gross breach of fundamental human rights. Additionally, a petition concerning Khan's regular medical check-ups has been pending since August 2025, which the statement claims is being deliberately ignored.
Political Allegations and Demands
The PTI accused the government of engaging in political vendetta, alleging that it is willing to gamble with a prisoner's life and health. In response, the party has demanded that Imran Khan be granted immediate and unrestricted access to Shaukat Khanum Hospital or any other reputable hospital of his choice. They insist he should receive proper treatment under the supervision of qualified specialists with full medical facilities available.
Appeal to the Judiciary and Responsibility
The statement made a strong appeal to the judiciary, urging it to treat this matter as one of health and human life rather than politics. It called for ensuring no negligence or delay in Khan's medical care. The PTI underlined that if any permanent damage occurs to Khan's eyesight, the full responsibility would rest with the government and the Adiala Jail administration, who are obstructing treatment despite clear medical advice and court orders.
Shaukat Khanum Hospital's Response
In a separate development, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, which was founded by Imran Khan, issued its own statement expressing grave concern over his health. While expressing confidence in the current physicians, the hospital requested that a team from Shaukat Khanum be given immediate access to Khan to participate in his care, aiming to reassure all those worried about his welfare.
