Lawyer raises alarm: Imran Khan's right eye vision Pl plags at 15%, cites neglect in prison
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan's eyesight is failing. His lawyer, who met him, told the court that he has only 15 percent vision left in his right eye. Following this, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Khan.
Following a recent court-ordered meeting with Imran Khan, lawyer Salman Safdar submitted a detailed seven-page report raising new concerns about the former prime minister's health and prison conditions. It claims he has only 15 percent vision left in his right eye.
According to the report, Khan's vision was 6/6 until October 2025, when he began experiencing blurred vision in his right eye. He reportedly complained repeatedly to the Adiala Jail inspector, but was not given any treatment for three months.
The report states that he was later examined by Dr. Arif, an ophthalmologist at PIMS Hospital. However, despite medical attention, the blood clot in his eye had already caused significant damage, leading to vision loss.
Safdar said that Khan's eyes were watering during a recent meeting. The report recommends an immediate examination by his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yusuf, although it also states that any qualified ophthalmologist approved by him can perform the examination. It also advises prison authorities to take immediate medical action.
According to media outlet Hum, in addition to medical concerns, the report also paints a larger picture of restrictions and prolonged solitary confinement. It alleges that Khan has been held in solitary confinement for more than two years, affecting his mental health. He reportedly complained of sleep difficulties due to heat and mosquitoes, as well as food poisoning due to the lack of a refrigerator in his cell.
The documents further claim that five months have passed, but he has not been allowed to meet with his lawyers and is barred from meeting with his family. His personal doctors have also reportedly been denied access.
Citing the lack of television facilities in the prison, the report recommends providing him with books. It also asks authorities to ensure a fair legal trial and facilitate telephone contact with his sons.
Safdar said the meeting was held in accordance with court orders and that the concerns raised needed to be addressed immediately. Following this, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical team to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan's eyes. The SC also directed that Imran be allowed to speak to his children. It ordered that both the eye examination and the phone call be conducted before February 16 (Monday).