A team of distinguished medical professionals arrived at Adiala Jail on Wednesday to perform an in-depth medical evaluation of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s deteriorating eyesight. This examination was carried out under the direct orders of the Islamabad High Court, which has taken a keen interest in the health condition of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman amid growing concerns over his vision impairment.
Imran Khan’s eye condition has attracted significant attention after he was diagnosed with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a serious vascular disorder that affects the retina and can lead to substantial vision loss. Although the diagnosis was officially confirmed in late January, Khan’s legal team has revealed that he has been experiencing worsening eyesight since as early as October of the previous year. This prolonged struggle with his vision has raised urgent questions about the adequacy of medical care he is receiving while in custody.
The medical panel assembled for this critical assessment comprises leading specialists from two of Pakistan’s foremost healthcare institutions: the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital. Among the experts present were Dr. Mohammad Arif, the head of the Ophthalmology Department at PIMS, and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi, a highly respected retina specialist known for his expertise in treating complex retinal diseases. Their combined expertise is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of Khan’s condition and guide subsequent medical decisions.
During recent court hearings, Khan’s lawyers painted a grim picture of his health, stating that the former prime minister has lost nearly 85% of vision in his affected eye. This alarming revelation prompted a division bench of the Islamabad High Court, led by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, to order a formal medical evaluation. The court’s primary objective is to determine whether Khan requires urgent transfer to Shifa International Hospital, where he could receive specialized surgical treatment or long-term care that may not be available within the jail’s medical facilities.
While the medical evaluation is underway, the PTI leadership has also been active on the political front. In response to the assassination of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the party issued a statement expressing condolences to the Iranian government. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram highlighted Larijani’s role as a key stabilizing figure in Middle Eastern diplomacy, emphasizing the broader implications of his death on regional security.
Akram further drew parallels between the escalating instability in the Middle East and Pakistan’s own political challenges. He argued that the current global tensions underscore the need for a visionary and unifying leader within Pakistan’s political landscape. In this context, the PTI reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, insisting that their detention is politically motivated and unjust. The party maintains that Khan’s leadership is crucial for guiding the country through both domestic and international crises.
As the nation awaits the findings of the medical board, the outcome of this evaluation will be pivotal. It will determine whether Imran Khan remains confined within Adiala Jail or is transferred to a tertiary care hospital for advanced treatment. The decision will not only impact his health but could also influence the political dynamics in Pakistan during a period marked by uncertainty and upheaval.
