ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday urgently alerted thenation to what it termed a critical health emergency involving itsincarcerated founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, citing crediblereports that he is suffering from a serious eye condition that could leadto permanent blindness if not treated promptly in full medical facilities.PTI reinforced demands for unrestricted family meetings and unfetteredhospital access to safeguard his health.
The PTI’s official statement on social media platform X emphasised thatmedical experts who recently evaluated Imran Khan in Adiala Jail diagnosedhim with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, adangerous vascular blockage that, if untreated, could irreversiblycompromise vision. The party accused the jail authorities of resistingtransfer to a specialized hospital, arguing that the condition cannot bemanaged within the prison’s limited medical resources and requires anoperating theatre.
Medical authorities and human rights proponents note that central retinalvein occlusion is a condition where a blockage in a retinal vein causesblood and fluid to spill into the retina, leading to swelling, impairedvision and, in severe cases, permanent damage if not diagnosed and treatedin a timely manner. The PTI asserts that specialists present during thejail examination underscored the sensitivity and severity of the ailment,intensifying calls for urgent intervention outside the prison setting.
PTI leaders strongly criticised what they called the government’s and jailadministration’s delay in facilitating advanced care, insisting that theonly viable option for treatment is at a fully equipped hospital such asShaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital or any other facility of ImranKhan’s choice. They described the insistence on in-jail treatment as“reckless”, alleging it imperils not only his vision but also his broaderhealth status amid incarceration.
The party further highlighted judicial dynamics, noting that the IslamabadHigh Court (IHC) issued directives for regular medical check-ups by hispersonal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, but that access has reportedly beendenied since October 2024, despite court mandates. PTI officials deem thisa violation of core legal and human rights obligations toward detainees,raising constitutional concerns over the administration’s approach.
In addition to seeking immediate medical transfer, PTI reiterated itsdemand for unrestricted meetings between Imran Khan and his immediatefamily and close associates. According to the party, such access isessential not only for transparency about his condition but also forproviding emotional support to the former prime minister during a period ofhigh stress and political volatility.
Political observers say the dispute over jail medical facilities and familyaccess taps into broader tensions between PTI and the current government,reflecting ongoing controversies around judicial orders, politicalincarceration, and perceived politicisation of legal processes in Pakistan.PTI’s narrative frames the health struggle as emblematic of broaderconcerns about the treatment of political figures imprisoned onhigh-profile charges.
Critics of the government argue that ensuring adequate healthcare fordetained individuals is a fundamental state responsibility, regardless ofpolitical affiliation, and that transparency is crucial to preventingmisinformation and public distrust. They note that independent reports andjudicial oversight are key to maintaining confidence in state institutions’handling of high-stakes health issues involving public figures.
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Government and prison officials have pushed back against PTI’s claims,maintaining that medical care for Imran Khan is provided according toprison rules and protocols and that any allegations of denial of treatmentor access are overstated. Official statements suggest that facilities androutine check-ups are available, though details about specialisedinterventions remain contested.
Human rights advocates also underline that denial of appropriate medicaltreatment can constitute a violation of international standards on thetreatment of prisoners, particularly when conditions risk irreversibleharm. They stress that regardless of political context, medical emergencieswarrant neutral, evidence-based responses to ensure detainees’ rights andwellbeing.
As the situation evolves, PTI’s call to the judiciary to intervene as amatter of life and health rather than politics underscores the heightenedstakes for both legal adjudication and public perception. Should permanentdamage occur, PTI has warned that responsibility would be attributeddirectly to state authorities for obstructing proper medical care.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1969364/pti-says-imran-suffering-from-eye-ailment-that-could-lead-to-permanent-damage-if-not-treated-promptly
Memorial Cancer Hospital
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