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Pakistan’s Supreme Court has intervened on behalf of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, directing the formation of a medical team to assess his alarming report of significant vision loss. The order comes after Khan, currently imprisoned, informed his legal counsel that he has experienced an approximate 85% reduction in vision in his right eye.
Court Directive for Medical Evaluation
The Supreme Court’s ruling mandates a thorough medical examination to be conducted by a designated board before February 16. This decision was announced by Khan’s political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had previously indicated that Khan, 73, had undergone a brief medical procedure for an eye-related issue at a hospital in Islamabad, asserting that he was in good health post-treatment. However, Khan’s family asserts they were not notified prior to his hospitalisation, raising concerns about communication and consent.
The Islamabad hospital confirmed that on January 30, Khan had reported a noticeable decrease in vision, prompting an evaluation by a senior prison doctor. Following this assessment, the hospital proceeded with a medical intervention, which was conducted with Khan’s consent.
Deteriorating Health and Legal Action Threats
Khan has been in custody since 2023, following his conviction for corruption. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, highlighted during recent court proceedings that Khan had normal vision just months ago but developed persistent blurred vision that was reported to prison officials. A specialist subsequently diagnosed him with a damaging blood clot, attributing the significant loss of vision to delays in treatment.
In response to Khan’s deteriorating eyesight, the PTI has publicly condemned the inadequate medical care he has received, threatening legal action if he is not granted immediate access to his own doctors and specialised treatment. They demand that he be transferred to a hospital where he can receive appropriate care.
Khan’s family has consistently urged the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to facilitate family visits and allow consultations with eye specialists. His sister, Aleema Khan, revealed that her brother has been suffering from blurred vision for three months but alleges that prison authorities failed to act until a serious decline in his condition necessitated hospitalisation.
Khan’s Political Standing and Allegations
Despite being ousted from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, Khan retains a significant following in Pakistan. He has publicly claimed that his removal was part of a conspiracy orchestrated with foreign backing, specifically implicating political adversaries and former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. These allegations have been categorically denied by the United States, the Pakistani military, and his political rivals.
Why it Matters
The Supreme Court’s directive highlights the critical intersection of health, justice, and political dynamics in Pakistan. Khan’s deteriorating health while in custody raises serious questions about the treatment of political figures in the prison system and the broader implications for human rights within the country. As Khan remains a polarising figure in Pakistani politics, the manner in which his health issues are addressed could influence public perception and political stability in the region. The unfolding situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the treatment of prisoners, particularly those with significant political influence.
