Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered an urgent medical review of former Prime Minister Imran Khan after a court-appointed lawyer informed the bench that the jailed leader has been left with only 15 per cent vision in his right eye.

The directive came after Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae by the court, submitted a seven-page report detailing Khan’s deteriorating health following a two-hour meeting with him at Adiala Jail on February 10.

Severe Vision Loss Diagnosed

According to the report, the 73-year-old former premier complained of persistent blurred and hazy vision over the past three months, but alleged that no action was taken by jail authorities during that period.

Safdar wrote that Khan subsequently suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye. A medical report dated February 6 diagnosed the condition as right central retinal vein occlusion, a blood clot that can cause significant retinal damage.

An ophthalmologist from a leading government hospital in Islamabad later confirmed the diagnosis. The report noted that Khan appeared visibly distressed during the meeting and warned that further delay in treatment could pose serious risks to his health.

Supreme Court Orders Immediate Action

Following submission of the report, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Khan’s eye condition.

The court also directed authorities to allow Khan phone contact with his sons, who reside in the United Kingdom, and instructed that both steps be completed before February 16.

“The issue of Imran’s health is most important,” the chief justice observed, adding that intervention was necessary.

PTI Alleges Neglect, Demands Access

Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, expressed profound concern over what it described as serious deterioration in his eyesight. The party demanded immediate and unrestricted access to his personal physicians and called for his transfer to a reputable hospital for specialised treatment.

PTI also warned that it reserved the right to pursue legal action against officials if harm was caused to Khan’s health.

Ongoing Legal And Political Fallout

Khan has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023, facing multiple charges including corruption and other cases that his party says are politically motivated. His detention followed his removal from office in 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

The Supreme Court’s intervention follows months of complaints regarding restricted access to legal counsel and family members. Safdar’s report states that Khan had been denied access to his lead counsel for five months and had limited contact with family members.

The development adds fresh political sensitivity to an already contentious case involving Pakistan’s most prominent opposition leader. Observers say the medical review ordered by the apex court will now be closely watched, both for its findings and for its potential impact on the broader legal and political landscape in Pakistan.

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