ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has rejected claims by former prime minister Imran Khan that he had been raising concerns about worsening eyesight since October 2025, stating that official records show the first complaint was lodged in January 2026.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister outlined the government’s position regarding the health of the PTI founder. He said that if Imran Khan had been suffering from an eye problem since October without receiving proper treatment, it would constitute criminal negligence and those responsible should be held accountable.
However, he maintained that documentation does not support the opposition’s narrative. According to Chaudhry, when Imran Khan met his sister Uzma Khanum on December 2, she made no reference to any vision issues during her subsequent media talk and instead described his health as satisfactory.
The minister further stated that no complaint about eyesight was raised before a medical board on December 9, nor during proceedings in the Toshakhana case on December 20.
He said the first recorded concern about vision surfaced around January 14 or 16, after which Imran Khan was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for evaluation. An eye injection was administered on January 24, and all related medical procedures have been documented.
On the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, his legal counsel was permitted to meet him, and the government would comply with any further court orders regarding medical examinations, Chaudhry added.
He emphasised that responsibility for the health of any inmate rests with the relevant government. As Adiala Jail falls under the Punjab government’s jurisdiction, he said any proven lapse would be acknowledged and addressed.
Chaudhry clarified that there is no personal hostility toward Imran Khan, only political differences. He noted that the decision to transfer him to PIMS on January 16 was made by the government itself, not at the request of PTI.
The minister also said authorities are prepared to arrange an examination at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad or by any qualified specialist, if required. He urged that health matters should not be politicised and assured that any established negligence would be dealt with accordingly.
Earlier, Imran Khan claimed that vision in his right eye had deteriorated to around 15 percent. The assertion was included in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, following a meeting at Adiala Jail.
According to the report, he maintained that he had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes until October 2025 but later developed persistent blurring, which he alleged was repeatedly reported to jail authorities without timely response.
An ophthalmologist from PIMS, Dr Muhammad Arif, later examined him and reportedly diagnosed a blood clot that caused significant damage. Despite treatment, including an injection, his vision in the affected eye remains severely impaired, the report stated.
The Supreme Court has directed that a fresh eye examination be conducted before February 16 and ordered the formation of a medical team to assess his condition.
