In a distressing incident on Tuesday, Noreen, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, sustained injuries after falling into an excavation at an under-construction sewerage line near Dahgal Naka in Rawalpindi. The accident occurred as she and a group of women, including her sisters, were trying to cross the construction site on their way to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The site posed significant hazards due to ongoing infrastructure work, and Noreen slipped while navigating the uneven terrain.
As she lost her footing, Noreen fell into the open trench, injuring her hands, feet, and nose. Rescue teams along with bystanders quickly responded, managing to pull her out of the excavation and move her to a safer area. Another woman who was accompanying Noreen also fell during the attempt to cross the site and sustained injuries, though the extent of her condition has not been detailed. The incident highlights the risks faced by visitors trying to reach the prison amid heightened security and ongoing construction in the vicinity.
The group had been stopped by police at a checkpoint near Dahgal Naka, which forced them to find an alternate route on foot to reach the jail. This checkpoint and the surrounding construction have complicated access for family members and supporters wishing to visit Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. The family’s repeated efforts to meet the former prime minister have been marked by tension, especially as concerns about his health have intensified in recent weeks.
Imran Khan’s health has become a focal point in the ongoing political dispute between the government and the opposition alliance, which includes PTI and the TTAP coalition. A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that Khan is suffering from a serious eye condition called central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This ailment, which primarily affects older adults, is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The report further disclosed that Khan has lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye, a significant deterioration that has raised alarm among his family and supporters.
Since his imprisonment, the 73-year-old former prime minister has been undergoing treatment for CRVO, receiving two eye injections so far, with plans for additional doses in the near future. The condition has added to the complexity of his incarceration, as his health remains a contentious issue in the broader political landscape. Khan’s detention followed multiple convictions, which he and his party claim are politically motivated attempts to sideline him after his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
Over the past year, Khan has faced numerous legal challenges, including cases related to state gifts and allegations of unlawful marriage. While some of these convictions have been overturned or temporarily suspended, several appeals are still pending in the courts. Throughout these proceedings, Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against him are part of a broader political vendetta. Meanwhile, his family continues to push for access and transparency regarding his health and treatment while he remains behind bars.
