ISLAMABAD: PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated on Wednesday that the party’s founder, Imran Khan, has lost vision in one eye, attributing this to alleged torture endured during his imprisonment. Raja warned that Khan’s health is at serious risk while in custody.
Speaking outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Raja lamented that all avenues for justice seem blocked. He highlighted that Khan has been detained for 1,000 days and is being deprived of fundamental constitutional rights.
This announcement follows Khan’s fourth intravitreal eye injection on April 28 at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), part of his ongoing medical treatment. The former prime minister was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a severe eye condition, as detailed in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyer and the court’s amicus curiae, Salman Safdar. CRVO occurs when the primary vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes obstructed, often linked to cardiovascular issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
During the press briefing, Raja also accused authorities of restricting visits to Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, despite court orders mandating visitation rights. He claimed that signatures on legal documents (vakalatnamas) are being obstructed and that only select individuals are permitted meetings with Khan. Furthermore, Raja stated that Khan’s sisters have been denied access, even considering his critical health condition.
Raja further alleged that Bushra Bibi is being targeted with fabricated cases, including those related to Toshakhana, based on testimonies from government witnesses. He noted that although petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, no hearings have taken place. With legal options exhausted, Raja declared that the party intends to present its case directly to the people of Pakistan.
Addressing the wider political climate, Raja emphasized the urgent need for national stability, criticizing the current economic collapse and describing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as “drenched in blood.” He remarked that such restrictions were unprecedented, not even seen during British colonial rule. Additionally, Raja accused the judiciary of being undermined, citing the transfer of judges to other provinces as a form of punishment.
