ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, has called for urgent action over his deteriorating eye condition, saying the family is seeking justice and proper medical care.
Addressing reporters, Aleema Khan said enough delay had taken place and stressed that their sole demand was appropriate treatment for the former prime minister. She revealed that she recently met Barrister Salman Safdar and admitted that those close to the PTI founder had been unable to secure the level of care he required.
She alleged that over the past three months, Imran Khan repeatedly raised concerns about his eyesight but Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum failed to ensure timely and adequate medical attention. Despite constant surveillance through multiple cameras, she claimed no effective steps were taken as his condition worsened, adding that it appeared some individuals were waiting for his vision to decline.
Aleema Khan expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for taking notice of the matter and issuing orders for a medical examination to be conducted before February 16. She reiterated that the family’s demand is limited to proper healthcare and not tied to any political conditions.
A detailed seven-page report submitted to the court by Barrister Salman Safdar after his visit to Adiala Jail recommended an immediate eye examination for Imran Khan. According to the report, the PTI founder requested that his eyes be examined by Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousuf, and that a specialist ophthalmologist also be consulted.
The report stated that his treatment began only after a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye. Imran Khan reportedly told his lawyer that his eyesight had been normal three to four months ago before he began experiencing persistent blurriness, which he repeatedly reported to jail authorities.
It further noted that no meaningful action was taken in response to his complaints, eventually leading to a total loss of sight in the affected eye. He was later examined by PIMS ophthalmologist Dr Muhammad Arif, who found that vision in the right eye had been reduced to between 10 and 15 percent despite treatment.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed that arrangements be made for Salman Safdar to meet Imran Khan in jail and appointed him as a friend of the court, paving the way for the submission of the medical report and subsequent orders for examination.
