ISLAMABAD – Recent developments in the UK Parliament on February 25, 2026, where concerns were raised about Imran Khan’s imprisonment and health in Pakistan’s Adiala Jail. A UK government minister (Baroness Chapman, on behalf of the Foreign Office) responded to queries, stating that Pakistan’s judicial processes are an internal matter but emphasizing the need to respect fundamental freedoms, including access to appropriate medical treatment. This aligns with the user’s provided Urdu quote, translated as: Pakistan’s judicial procedure is its internal matter, but authorities should respect fundamental freedoms.
Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and PTI founder, has been imprisoned since 2023 on various charges. Recent health issues include diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), leading to significant vision impairment claims (e.g., up to 85% loss in one eye per some reports), treated with anti-VEGF injections at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad (first in January, second on February 24, 2026). Debates highlight solitary confinement, denied access to family/lawyers/doctors, and calls for humane treatment.
UK Urges Pakistan Respect Freedoms in Imran Khan Prison Health CaseThe British government has reiterated that Pakistan’s judicial processes remain its internal affair while insisting that authorities must uphold fundamental freedoms, including humane detention and access to proper medical treatment for all citizens, including jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
This position emerged during a debate in the UK House of Lords on February 25, 2026, where peers across party lines expressed alarm over reports of deteriorating health and restricted access faced by Khan in Adiala Jail.
Minister of State Baroness Chapman of Darlington, responding for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, addressed questions from Labour peer Baroness Alexander of Cleveden regarding discussions with Islamabad on Khan’s incarceration and medical care.
She stated that while judicial matters fall under Pakistan’s sovereignty, the UK maintains a clear stance on respecting fundamental freedoms, encompassing fair trial rights, due process, humane conditions, and appropriate medical attention.
This applies universally to Imran Khan and every Pakistani citizen, she emphasized, reflecting consistent British diplomatic messaging on human rights in bilateral ties.
Concerns in London stem from persistent claims about Khan’s health since his detention began in August 2023 following multiple legal cases.
Recent medical developments include a diagnosis of central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye, a condition involving blood clot blockage that impairs vision.
Reports from Khan’s legal team and family allege delayed treatment contributed to substantial vision loss, with one claim suggesting up to 85 percent reduction in the affected eye.
In response, Pakistani authorities arranged specialized interventions at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
Khan received an initial anti-VEGF intravitreal injection in late January 2026 to address the occlusion.
A follow-up dose was administered on February 24, 2026, during a brief transfer from Adiala Jail under strict security.
Hospital statements described the procedure as successful, with clinical stability confirmed through cardiac and general evaluations before his return to custody.
A third injection is reportedly scheduled for March 24, indicating ongoing management of the condition.
Despite these steps, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and relatives have criticized the process as secretive, lacking transparency and independent oversight.
They demand access for personal physicians and family representatives during examinations to verify treatment adequacy.
Broader allegations include prolonged solitary confinement, limited family visits, and restricted lawyer interactions, raising questions about compliance with international detention standards.
UK parliamentarians, including former minister Zac Goldsmith, highlighted these issues, describing the situation as troubling and urging stronger advocacy.
Goldsmith noted denials of basic access and rapid health decline, linking them to wider democratic governance concerns in Pakistan.
As a Commonwealth member with significant Pakistani diaspora in Britain, Pakistan’s political stability carries implications for bilateral relations.
The UK has previously engaged Islamabad on related matters, including statements avoiding military court involvement for civilians and monitoring human rights obligations.
In November 2024, Foreign Secretary David Lammy similarly described Khan’s arrest as domestic while stressing fair trial and humane detention adherence.
Current discourse in London avoids direct intervention calls like aid cuts but prioritizes diplomatic pressure for rights observance.
Pakistani officials maintain that medical decisions fall under judicial and prison regulations, with facilities provided exceeding standard provisions.
Interior ministry figures have referenced plans for shifts to facilities with enhanced medical infrastructure.
Yet conflicting narratives persist, with opposition groups warning that perceived negligence could exacerbate political tensions.
Khan’s incarceration continues amid over a dozen cases, many viewed by supporters as politically motivated.
His party argues that health management should not become coercive or delayed.
International human rights frameworks, including those Pakistan has ratified, mandate adequate medical care for detainees regardless of status.
Access to independent care forms a core element of humane treatment under such standards.
The British statement balances respect for sovereignty with principled insistence on these obligations.
It signals ongoing monitoring without escalation to punitive measures at this stage.
Observers note that sustained parliamentary attention in the UK could influence diplomatic conversations ahead.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring Khan receives timely, effective treatment amid his eye condition management.
Broader implications touch on rule of law perceptions in Pakistan and their international resonance.