Imran Khan Diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, Treatment Delayed
Concerns are mounting over the health of the incarcerated former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, as he reportedly suffers from a serious eye condition and his party alleges obstruction of necessary medical care.
Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been imprisoned as august 2023, currently serving a sentence related to a £190 million corruption case.He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) stemming from the May 9, 2023 protests. Now, the PTI is raising alarms about his deteriorating health, specifically a newly diagnosed and possibly vision-threatening condition.
The PTI reported on Tuesday that khan has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye. CRVO is a blockage in the retinal vein, a condition described by doctors as “highly sensitive and serious,” carrying a “strong risk of permanent damage to eyesight” if left untreated.
The party shared a post on X, citing “credible journalistic sources,” detailing the diagnosis.A translation of a corresponding post in Urdu further emphasized the gravity of the situation.
PTI officials allege that jail authorities are attempting to provide treatment within the prison, despite medical professionals stating that the necessary care – including an operation theater and specialized facilities – are unavailable on site. “According to doctors, the condition is highly sensitive and serious, and there is a strong risk of permanent damage to eyesight if timely and appropriate treatment is not provided,” the party stated.
Adding to the concerns,the PTI claims Khan has been denied access to his personal physician since October 2024,despite orders from the Islamabad High Court permitting such examinations. A petition requesting regular medical check-ups, filed in August 2025, remains unaddressed by the court, according to the party.This delay is being characterized as a “grave violation of the basic human rights” of an undertrial prisoner.
The PTI strongly suggests that the government’s actions are motivated by political victimisation, accusing authorities of endangering Khan’s life and health in pursuit of “political revenge.” They are demanding an immediate meeting between Khan and his family and associates, as well as access to treatment at either Shaukat Khanum Hospital or another reputable medical facility of his choosing.
the party has appealed to the judiciary to intervene, emphasizing that this is a matter of health, not politics, and that any negligence would be unacceptable. “If, God forbid, imran Khan were to suffer any permanent damage to his eyesight, full responsibility would rest directly with the government and jail authorities for obstructing treatment despite court orders,” the statement concluded.
Further compounding the concerns, Uzma Khan, sister of the jailed PTI leader, revealed that her brother developed an infection in his right eye two months prior to the CRVO diagnosis. She described a brief meeting on December 2, limited to just 20 minutes, during which she was unable to gather sufficient details regarding his condition. “Had the meeting been longer, more details might have emerged,” she stated.
Uzma Khan also expressed frustration over the lack of official information provided to the family regarding her brother’s health, calling for a clear statement from the government. “We are repeatedly asked why we come to Adiala, but if we do not come there, where else are we supposed to go?” she questioned, highlighting the family’s desperation for information and access to their loved one.
https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1751384987384913948
https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1751385999999999999
The situation underscores growing anxieties surrounding the health and well-being of the former Prime Minister, and raises serious questions about the provision of adequate medical care for incarcerated individuals in Pakistan.
