Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised serious concerns over the health of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, warning that he could permanently lose vision in one eye and may even go blind if he does not receive immediate and specialised medical treatment while in prison.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, PTI said medical examinations conducted in jail have diagnosed Imran Khan with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in his right eye, a condition the party described as extremely serious and sensitive. According to the party, doctors have cautioned that any delay in proper treatment could result in irreversible damage to his eyesight.
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently lodged at Adiala Jail. PTI said that despite the gravity of the diagnosis, the jail administration remains firm on providing treatment within the prison premises, a move the party claims is medically inadequate and dangerous.
Jail treatment dispute and demands for hospital transfer
Citing medical experts, PTI said the treatment required for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion cannot be safely carried out inside Adiala Jail due to the lack of an operation theatre, sterile facilities, and specialised retina care. The party has demanded that Imran Khan be immediately shifted to a major hospital of his choice, specifically naming Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital or any other well-equipped medical facility.
Along with medical treatment, PTI has also demanded unrestricted access for meetings with family members and close relatives. The party noted that Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khan last met him on December 2 last year and claimed that since then, the family has not been officially informed about the seriousness of his eye condition.
According to PTI, Imran Khan last consulted his personal doctor in October 2024, after which no regular medical check-ups were permitted, despite directions from the Islamabad High Court. The party alleged this amounts to a clear violation of court orders and a serious breach of human rights, accusing the government of risking a prisoner’s health due to political hostility.
What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion and why it is dangerous
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion is a serious eye disorder in which the main vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked. The retina plays a crucial role in vision, and when blood flow is obstructed, blood begins to accumulate, leading to swelling, leakage, and potential long-term damage.
Medical experts warn that the risk of permanent vision loss increases significantly if treatment is delayed, particularly in cases of complete blockage, severe retinal swelling, or repeated bleeding. Common symptoms include sudden blurred vision, dark spots appearing in the field of view, or a rapid decline in vision in one eye. In many cases, if treatment is not initiated within 24 to 72 hours, the damage can become irreversible.
Treatment for CRVO requires immediate attention from a retina specialist and often involves specialised injections to reduce swelling inside the eye. In some cases, laser procedures are also necessary. Managing underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is equally important, as these are major risk factors associated with the disease. Such treatment typically requires advanced medical infrastructure, sterile conditions, and experienced specialists, which PTI argues are unavailable in jail.
Imran Khan’s sisters have publicly questioned why the family was not informed earlier if his condition was so critical. They said they were kept in the dark about his deteriorating eye health, further fuelling concerns about transparency and prisoner welfare.
Imran Khan has been in prison for nearly three years and faces more than 100 cases. He has been sentenced to 14 years in a corruption case, including charges related to the Toshakhana matter and allegations of leaking state secrets. He is also accused in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau has named him, his wife Bushra Bibi, and others. PTI maintains that amid ongoing legal battles, denying proper medical care places his life and health at serious risk.
