On Monday, the Islamabad High Court received a critical petition from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail. The petition urgently requests his transfer to Shifa International Hospital to receive specialised treatment for his deteriorating eye condition. This move highlights growing concerns about the quality and transparency of medical care being provided to Khan while in custody.
The application was submitted by senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, who emphasized that Khan’s medical examinations inside the prison have been conducted without notifying his family members, personal doctors, or legal representatives. This lack of communication has raised serious questions about the adequacy and openness of the healthcare arrangements for the former premier. Khan’s deteriorating eyesight has become a matter of public concern, prompting legal intervention to ensure he receives proper medical attention.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Khan’s medical treatment has come under judicial scrutiny. Earlier, on February 25, a similar petition was filed before the Supreme Court after Khan underwent a government-arranged follow-up consultation for his eye condition. However, the Supreme Court had deferred the matter, advising that any complaints be addressed first in the Islamabad High Court, where Khan’s appeal against his conviction is currently pending.
the petition, the 73-year-old former prime minister has suffered complete vision loss in one eye, while the other eye retains only about 15 percent of its vision. This alarming development has been documented in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by amicus curiae Barrister Salman Safdar. The report highlighted that despite Khan’s repeated complaints about blurred and hazardous vision, prison authorities have allegedly failed to provide timely and adequate medical care, exacerbating his condition.
The petition also draws attention to a medical examination conducted inside Central Jail, Rawalpindi, on February 15, which reportedly took place without prior notice to Khan’s family or his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf. Subsequently, Khan was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on February 23 for further procedures, again without allowing his trusted doctors or family members to be present. This exclusion has intensified concerns about the transparency and appropriateness of the medical treatment being administered.
Adding to the complexity, the Supreme Court’s order dated February 12, 2026, had adjourned related petitions indefinitely, instructing that any grievances regarding Khan’s medical care should first be brought before the Islamabad High Court. This directive places the responsibility on the high court to oversee the matter closely as Khan continues to challenge his trial court conviction. The current petition underscores the urgency of addressing Khan’s health issues in a manner that respects his rights and ensures proper medical supervision outside the confines of the prison system.
