Imran Khan’s worsening vision prompts judicial action amid political tensions

Pakistan’s top court has directed the federal government to conduct an immediate medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan, following reports that his vision has deteriorated significantly while in custody.

The order, issued by a two-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, came after concerns were raised regarding Khan’s right eye, which reportedly retains only 15% vision.

In the latest episode of On My Radar, Khan described his condition, saying he began experiencing blurred vision in October 2025 and that repeated complaints to authorities went largely unaddressed. He stated that his vision loss has had a severe impact on his daily functioning, highlighting ongoing delays in receiving proper medical attention while in Adiala Jail.

The court’s order was based on a report submitted by Advocate Salman Safdar, designated “Friend of the Court”. The report documents that an examination by an eye specialist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences diagnosed Khan with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, noting that his right eye has lost roughly 85% of vision despite treatment. The report also observed that Khan was under significant mental stress, recommending an immediate review by an independent medical board.

Following the court directive, opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) staged a sit-in outside Parliament House on Friday, demanding that Khan be admitted to Al-Shifa Hospital for specialist care. TTAP leaders said the protest would continue until their demands were met, stressing that the issue is a matter of Khan’s health and not political maneuvering.

Khan’s legal team has also highlighted restrictions on access. He has reportedly been denied consistent meetings with his lawyers for the past five months, complicating preparations for ongoing cases. Access to family has also been limited; in 2025, he was allowed to speak with his sons by phone only twice and has recently been permitted weekly visits with his wife.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told reporters that Khan would be taken to any hospital of his choice, including Al-Shifa, and examined by specialists under medical supervision. He stressed that the government has repeatedly assured that no negligence will be tolerated regarding Khan’s medical care and called on the opposition to refrain from politicizing the issue.

The developments mark a notable moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, following three years of heightened tension between the state and Khan. Legal, political, and security authorities appear to be taking coordinated steps to address the immediate medical concerns, although questions remain about broader political implications.