PTI voices concern over reports of Imran Khan's 'serious' eye ailment

PTI says infection "carries high risk of permanent damage to eyesight" if not treated promptly

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PTI Chairman Imran Khan arrives to appear in the Supreme Court in Islamabad on July 24, 2023. — AFP
PTI Chairman Imran Khan arrives to appear in the Supreme Court in Islamabad on July 24, 2023. — AFP
  • PTI claims ex-premier diagnosed with CRVO in right eye.
  • Khan be allowed to be admitted to Shaukat Khanum: PTI.
  • Barrister Gohar Khan urges unhindered family meetings.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday voiced concern over reports that jailed party founder Imran Khan was suffering from an eye infection.

Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, the PTI chief said that he learned from the media about the former premier's eye infection.

"If true, it is worrying," Barrister Gohar said, emphasising the importance of family meetings.

The PTI had cited "credible media reports" that Khan had been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, resulting in a blockage in the retinal vein.

"According to medical experts who reportedly checked him in jail, this is an extremely sensitive and serious medical condition which, if not treated promptly and properly, carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight," read a post on the party's official X account.

The former ruling party claimed Adiala jail administration was insisting that the treatment for the infection be carried out inside the jail, despite an attending specialist doctor saying that such treatment was "not possible in jail and that it requires an operation theatre and specialised medical facilities".

The PTI stated that the attitude put Khan's "eye vision and his overall health in grave danger".

The party stated that the former prime minister was last granted access to his personal physician in October 2024, terming the move "a blatant violation of court orders and a gross breach of fundamental human rights".

The PTI demanded that Khan be immediately allowed to have an unrestricted meeting with his family and close associates to reassure them about his condition.

The party further demanded that the former prime minister be allowed to be admitted to "Shaukat Khanum Hospital or to any other reputable hospital of his own choice, where he can receive proper treatment".

The PTI warned that the responsibility of any potential permanent damage to Khan's eyesight would lie with the government and the jail administration.

Shaukat Khanum Hospital administration later requested that a team from the hospital be granted immediate access to Khan for his treatment.

In a post on the hospital's X account, the hospital administration expressed concern about the former prime minister's health, although it said it could not "independently verify" the reports.

Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023, faces multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism since his ouster from power via the opposition's no-trust motion in April 2022.

Meanwhile, Barrister Gohar pressed for family meetings, noting that Khan’s family interactions, including with Bushra Bibi, must remain unhindered by politics.

He recalled that Bushra Bibi met her family on November 2, 2025, while the PTI founder had a meeting on December 2, 2025.

On national security, the PTI chief stressed that there should be no politics or leniency on the issue of terrorism.

"Provincial and federal governments must protect lives and property. We do not negotiate with those targeting us," he said.