Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to undergo specialized medical treatment for a deteriorating eye condition, according to an announcement by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday. The development follows a Supreme Court directive mandating comprehensive medical evaluation amid mounting concerns about the political leader’s vision impairment.
Medical authorities will conduct thorough examinations utilizing leading ophthalmology specialists, continuing treatment protocols initiated in late January when Khan first reported significant vision loss. While the specific medical facility and treatment timeline remain undisclosed, Tarar emphasized that a detailed report would be submitted to the Supreme Court and cautioned against politicizing the health matter.
The situation gained judicial attention earlier this week when Khan’s legal representative, Salman Safdar, informed the court that the former premier had lost approximately 85% vision in his right eye. The court subsequently ordered authorities to arrange professional medical assessment by a physician panel and facilitate telephone communication between Khan and his sons before February 16.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters have organized demonstrations across Islamabad and other urban centers, demanding his transfer from prison to a specialized hospital facility. Party legislators and allied representatives have concurrently initiated a parliamentary sit-in protest.
The Khan family has expressed strong objections to the government’s handling of the medical arrangements, noting they were not consulted prior to treatment decisions. They have formally requested the presence of family members and Khan’s personal physicians during any medical procedures. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed the successful telephone conversation between Khan and his sons, describing the 20-minute exchange as emotionally significant after prolonged separation.
The 73-year-old former cricket icon turned political leader has been imprisoned since 2023 following corruption convictions. His removal from office via parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 precipitated ongoing political tensions, with Khan alleging his ouster resulted from a US-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and former military leadership—claims consistently denied by Washington and Pakistani authorities.
Despite legal challenges, Khan maintains substantial political influence and popular support. His PTI party demonstrated strong electoral performance in the February 2024 parliamentary elections, though failing to secure majority control, while alleging widespread voting irregularities disputed by the current administration.