ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday renewed serious concerns over the health of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan, warning that a medical condition affecting his right eye could cause permanent loss of eyesight if not treated urgently.
In a statement issued on social media platform X, the party said it had learned through credible reports that the former prime minister had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a condition involving a dangerous blockage in the retinal vein.
Citing medical experts who reportedly examined him in jail, the party said the ailment was “extremely sensitive and serious” and required prompt treatment at a fully equipped medical facility. “If not treated properly and in time, it carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight,” the statement warned.
PTI accused the jail administration of insisting that treatment be carried out inside Adiala Jail, despite the attending specialist clearly stating that such care was not possible without an operation theatre and specialised facilities.
“This reckless attitude is putting Imran Khan’s vision and overall health in grave danger,” the party said, adding that he was last examined by his personal physician in October 2024, despite clear orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) allowing regular medical check-ups.
The party termed the denial of access to his personal doctor a “blatant violation of court orders and fundamental human rights,” noting that a petition regarding his regular medical examinations had been pending since August 2025.
“The government’s conduct shows that in its pursuit of political vendetta, it is willing to gamble with the life and health of a prisoner,” the statement said.
PTI demanded that Imran Khan be immediately allowed an unrestricted meeting with his family and close associates to reassure the public about his condition and called for his transfer to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital or any other hospital of his choice for proper treatment.
The party also appealed to the judiciary to treat the matter as one of human life and health, warning that any permanent damage to Imran Khan’s eyesight would make the government and jail authorities directly responsible.
Meanwhile, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, founded by Imran Khan, issued a separate statement expressing grave concern over his health. While expressing confidence in the doctors currently treating him, the hospital requested that its medical team be given immediate access to participate in his care to allay public concern.
PTI lawmakers move IHC seeking meeting permission
Separately, PTI lawmakers filed a fresh petition at the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet the party founder. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with several MNAs including Ali Muhammad Khan, Shehryar Afridi, Salman Akram Raja and others, appeared at the IHC premises to complete biometric verification.
Speaking to the media, Gohar said Tuesdays were designated meeting days, but despite repeated approaches to the IHC chief justice, the leadership had not been granted access. He said a formal letter had been submitted requesting meetings with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in accordance with court orders.
Gohar also expressed concern over the health of both Imran Khan and his wife, stressing that meeting a prisoner was a fundamental legal right and should not be politicised.
Reiterating PTI’s stance on alleged electoral rigging, he restated the party’s call for nationwide protests on February 8, including a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also urged peaceful protests and said concerns over Imran Khan’s eye condition would be raised before the IHC chief justice.
Interim bail extended
Separately, an Islamabad court extended interim bail to Imran Khan in five additional cases related to the May 9 incidents and to Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana fake receipts case.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka extended the bail until February 6, as Imran Khan could not be presented before the court either physically or via video link. The court directed that he be produced at the next hearing.
