ISLAMABAD (AP) — Imran Khan, Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister, is set to receive treatment for a significant eye condition at a specialized medical facility, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. This announcement comes shortly after the Supreme Court mandated a medical evaluation amid escalating concerns over Khan’s eyesight. The eye treatment will involve an examination by prominent ophthalmologists as part of ongoing care that commenced in late January, following reports of a partial loss of vision in Khan’s right eye.
While the minister did not disclose specifics regarding the medical facility where Khan will be examined, he emphasized that a detailed report would be submitted to the Supreme Court post-treatment. Tarar urged the public to refrain from speculation and political rhetoric surrounding Khan's health situation, suggesting that such discourse is intended to serve vested interests.
Earlier in the week, Khan’s attorney, Salman Safdar, informed the Supreme Court that the former prime minister has experienced approximately 85% vision loss in his right eye. In response, the court ordered authorities to arrange for a comprehensive medical assessment by a panel of doctors. Additionally, the court mandated a phone call between Khan, aged 73, and his sons to be facilitated before February 16.
Khan's supporters from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have mobilized in various cities, including Islamabad, to protest his imprisonment and call for his transfer from prison to a hospital where he can receive specialized treatment. Some PTI lawmakers and allies have also initiated a sit-in outside the parliament to voice their concerns regarding Khan's health and treatment conditions.
In light of Tarar’s announcement, Khan's family expressed their anger, claiming they were not consulted before his medical transfer. They have insisted on the presence of family members and Khan's personal physician during any future medical procedures. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, shared on X that authorities facilitated a successful call, enabling Khan to speak with his sons for about 20 minutes. She reported that Khan was “extremely happy” to reconnect with them after a significant interval and expressed hope for urgent treatment at an eye hospital under the supervision of his personal doctors.
Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023, following a graft case conviction. He was ousted from his position in April 2022 after losing a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Khan has asserted that his removal stemmed from a conspiracy allegedly backed by the U.S. involving his political adversaries and Pakistan's ex-army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, though these claims have been refuted by American officials, the military, and his political opponents.
Despite facing legal challenges, Khan remains an influential figure within Pakistan, with the PTI advocating for his release. The issue of Khan’s vision became prominent in late January when Minister Tarar claimed he had undergone a medical procedure for his eye condition but was otherwise in good health. In the parliamentary elections held on February 8, 2024, the PTI demonstrated a strong presence but failed to secure a majority in the National Assembly. The party alleged electoral fraud, a charge the government has denied.
