Imran Khan is left with only 15% vision in right eye, says lawyer
A Pakistani Supreme Court panel has ordered an independent medical board to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged loss of vision while he remains incarcerated. The move comes after the opposition leader’s supporters raised concerns about his health and raised questions about the conditions of his detention.
Background of the case
Imran Khan, who led the country from 2018 to 2022, was arrested in May 2023 on corruption charges linked to a foreign funding scandal. Since then, he has been held in a high‑security prison in Islamabad. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has repeatedly demanded that he be released on medical grounds, arguing that his health is deteriorating.
In recent weeks, PTI activists reported that Khan was experiencing sudden visual disturbances. Video clips posted on social media showed the former premier blinking frequently and appearing to struggle with reading documents. The images sparked a wave of speculation across the country and prompted several human‑rights groups to call for an urgent health assessment.
Court’s decision and the medical board
Responding to a petition filed by PTI’s legal team, a seven‑judge bench of the Supreme Court issued a directive on Monday. The court ordered that a panel of ophthalmologists, neurologists, and general physicians be assembled within ten days to conduct a thorough examination of Khan’s eyesight and overall health.
The order specifies that the board must:
1. Perform a complete eye examination, including visual acuity tests and retinal imaging. 2. Conduct neurological assessments to rule out any underlying conditions that could affect vision. 3. Provide a written report to the Supreme Court within 15 days of the examination. 4. Recommend any necessary medical treatment or adjustments to Khan’s detention conditions.
The Supreme Court also instructed prison authorities to ensure that the medical team has unrestricted access to the inmate and that any findings be kept confidential until the court releases an official statement.
Implications for Pakistan’s politics
Khan remains a polarising figure in Pakistani politics. His supporters view him as a champion of anti‑corruption reforms, while his critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies. The health issue adds a new layer of complexity to an already volatile environment.
If the medical board confirms a serious visual impairment, it could strengthen PTI’s call for Khan’s release on humanitarian grounds. A release, even on medical bail, would likely energise PTI’s street protests, which have already led to several clashes with law‑enforcement agencies.
Conversely, if the examination finds no significant problem, the ruling could be used by the government to argue that the detention is justified and that political motives are driving the health claims. Either outcome is expected to influence upcoming parliamentary elections, where PTI aims to regain power after a period in opposition.
International attention
The case has attracted interest from foreign governments and international organisations that monitor human‑rights standards. The United Nations Human Rights Office issued a brief statement reminding all parties of the need to provide adequate medical care to detainees, referencing the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the "Nelson Mandela Rules").
Western media outlets have highlighted the episode as part of a broader narrative about the rule of law in Pakistan. Analysts note that the Supreme Court’s willingness to intervene could signal an independent judiciary willing to check executive power, a factor that investors and diplomatic partners watch closely.
The medical board’s findings will be delivered to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether to modify Khan’s detention conditions, grant temporary medical release, or keep the status quo. Legal experts suggest that the court may also order regular health monitoring if the initial report indicates a chronic condition.
Beyond the immediate health assessment, the episode may set a precedent for how political prisoners are treated in Pakistan. Human‑rights advocates argue that a transparent, science‑based evaluation could become a benchmark for future cases involving detained public figures.
For now, the nation watches as the medical team prepares to travel to the high‑security facility. PTI supporters have organized peaceful rallies demanding swift action, while government officials maintain that the legal process must run its course without external pressure.
What it means for the region
Stability in Pakistan has ripple effects across South Asia. A sudden shift in the country’s political landscape could influence regional trade, security cooperation, and the balance of power with neighboring India and Afghanistan. Analysts warn that any escalation of protests or a perceived miscarriage of justice could fuel unrest that extends beyond Pakistan’s borders.
In the coming weeks, the world will be watching how the Supreme Court balances legal obligations, medical ethics, and political realities. The outcome will not only affect Imran Khan’s personal fate but also shape perceptions of judicial independence in a nation that sits at a crossroads of geopolitical interests.
The Supreme Court’s order for a medical board to examine the former premier’s vision underscores the intertwining of health, law, and politics in Pakistan. While the investigation is still pending, its implications are already being felt in the streets of Islamabad, the corridors of power, and the desks of international observers. The final report will likely become a reference point for future debates on detainee rights and the role of the judiciary in politically charged cases.