ISLAMABAD: The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former prime minister Imran Khan has reportedly lost up to 85 percent of vision in his right eye, according to statements made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.
The development came after Barrister Salman Safdar submitted a report to the Supreme Court following a meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The report recommended an urgent and comprehensive eye examination, noting that his vision in the right eye had deteriorated to between 10 and 15 percent.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Afridi said that despite medical treatment, the former prime minister’s eyesight had significantly worsened and his condition had become serious. He alleged negligence on the part of the Punjab government and prison authorities regarding Khan’s medical care while in custody.
Afridi further claimed that Khan’s personal physician had not been allowed to carry out a detailed assessment and that jail officials had failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding his treatment. He accused authorities of subjecting the PTI founder to improper care, which he said had contributed to the decline in his health.
According to the report submitted by Salman Safdar, Imran Khan informed the court that he had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes until October 2025. He said he later began experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision, which he repeatedly brought to the attention of the jail superintendent, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum.
The former prime minister stated that no timely action was taken, leading to a sudden and complete loss of sight in his right eye. He was subsequently examined by an ophthalmologist from PIMS Hospital, Dr Muhammad Arif, who diagnosed a blood clot that caused severe damage. Despite receiving treatment, including an injection, his vision has reportedly remained limited to around 15 percent in the affected eye.
Afridi has called on the Islamabad High Court to hear Khan’s petitions concerning his health and ensure appropriate medical care. He also warned that continued inaction could prompt public protests and said that accountability would be sought under the law.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed that a detailed eye examination be conducted before February 16 and ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Imran Khan’s condition.
