ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar has voiced alarm over the reported deterioration in Imran Khan’s eyesight, cautioning that the consequences could extend far beyond the party’s founder.
Speaking to the media, Junaid Akbar said that if Imran Khan were to lose his vision, the impact would not be limited to one individual, warning of wider repercussions. He criticised authorities for what he described as neglect of the former prime minister’s medical needs and urged them to prioritise his treatment. He also accused those disregarding constitutional principles of undermining the country’s future and called for broader reflection beyond political divisions.
Earlier, PTI expressed serious concern over findings submitted to the court by Barrister Salman Safdar following his meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The party stated that the 73-year-old former prime minister is reportedly experiencing significant vision loss while in custody and has not been granted adequate medical care or access to doctors, including Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf.
According to the seven-page report filed by Salman Safdar, an immediate and thorough eye examination was recommended. The lawyer also suggested that the PTI founder’s condition be reviewed by a specialist ophthalmologist. In addition, he advised that books be provided to Khan, citing his solitary confinement and lack of access to television.
The report stated that Imran Khan informed his legal counsel that his eyesight had been normal three to four months ago before he began experiencing persistent blurriness. He said he repeatedly raised concerns with Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, but no effective action was taken. Eventually, he reported a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye.
An ophthalmologist from PIMS, Dr Muhammad Arif, later examined him and diagnosed severe damage. Despite treatment, his vision in the right eye has reportedly been reduced to between 10 and 15 percent.
PTI has maintained that any medical negligence amounts to mental and physical mistreatment and said it would pursue all available legal avenues. The party has also warned that it may initiate a public movement if its demands are not addressed.
The Supreme Court, which had earlier permitted Salman Safdar to meet Imran Khan and appointed him as a friend of the court, has ordered that medical examinations be completed before February 16 and that a medical team be constituted to assess his condition.
