The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the formation of a medical team to assess former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s eye and ordered that he be allowed to speak with his children before February 16.
The two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed hearings regarding Imran’s living conditions at Adiala jail. The court instructed that both the eye examination and phone calls take place by February 16, but rejected the request to allow family members to be present during the eye check.
CJP Afridi stressed the importance of the ex-premier’s health, saying, “Intervention was necessary,” and sought the government’s stance on providing medical care. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan affirmed that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure adequate medical facilities and added that if the prisoner remained dissatisfied, the government would take further measures.
The court also noted the importance of allowing Imran to communicate with his children, with the CJP commenting, “We are trusting the government. The government is in a good mood today.” On the request for books for Imran, the AGP said it would be considered after consultation with eye specialists.
Reports from PTI lawyer Salman Safdar and the Adiala jail superintendent indicated that Imran’s living conditions were generally adequate, though family visit issues remain under consideration by the Islamabad High Court.
Imran reports major vision loss
Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae, submitted a seven-page report to the SC detailing his visit to Imran at Adiala jail, describing the cell conditions, facilities, and interactions. He quoted Imran as saying he lost most of the vision in his right eye despite treatment, retaining only 15 percent vision after a medical procedure. Imran told Safdar that until October 2025, his vision had been normal, but persistent blurred and hazy vision later led to a sudden loss in the right eye.
Imran claimed that despite repeated complaints, timely medical intervention was not provided, and regular blood tests were not conducted. His personal physicians had limited access, and treatment was restricted mostly to eye drops for nearly three months. He also reported the absence of dental care for the past two years.
Medical report from Pims
A February 6 report from Pims Executive Director Prof. Dr. Rana Imran Sikander confirmed reduced vision in Imran’s right eye. A qualified ophthalmologist conducted a full eye assessment, diagnosing a right central retinal vein occlusion, and recommended hospital-based follow-up, including an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection administered on the night of January 24 under standard protocols.
Safdar noted that the report, provided by Imran’s family, lacked full details of the treatment and did not name the ophthalmologist responsible for the tests and procedure.
The SC’s orders aim to ensure Imran receives appropriate medical attention and family contact, amid ongoing scrutiny of his jail conditions.