ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Tuesday that the health of its jailed founding chairman, Imran Khan, was deteriorating, revealing that he is suffering from Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, which could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.
In a statement on its official X account, PTI condemned the government for jeopardizing Khan’s health, revealing that the former prime minister is suffering from CRVO in his right eye, which it warned, if not urgently treated, could lead to permanent blindness.
The party demanded that authorities to stop playing politics and grant Khan immediate access to specialized medical care, including the right to be treated at a hospital of his choosing – a basic right, which, according to PTI, the government is willfully denying
Medical experts familiar with Khan’s condition, according to PTI, have confirmed that the condition requires urgent intervention in an operating theatre with specialized facilities – facilities the party claims are unavailable inside the notorious Adiala Jail. The party slammed the jail administration’s insistence on providing treatment behind bars as a “reckless, irresponsible gamble” with Khan’s health and vision, accusing them of putting his life at risk for the sake of political games. Khan, who has been incarcerated for over two years, was last seen by his personal doctor in October 2024, according to PTI, despite a court order that grants him the right to regular medical care.
The statement further added that a petition concerning Imran Khan’s regular medical check-ups has been pending since August 2025, and has been deliberately ignored, accusing the authorities of disregarding court orders and violating his fundamental human rights.
“This deliberate neglect is an example of political vendetta at the expense of human life,” PTI said, calling for Khan to be allowed to meet with his family and associates to reassure the public about his condition.
The party also urged the judiciary to take immediate action, prioritizing Khan’s health over political considerations. “We strongly appeal to the judiciary to treat this as a matter of life and health, not politics,” the statement read. “Any permanent damage to his eyesight will be the responsibility of the government and the Adiala Jail administration for obstructing his treatment despite clear medical advice and court orders.”
This is pertinent to mention that CRVO is a leading cause of vision impairment, especially in older adults. Experts say that timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the condition, as delayed intervention can lead to permanent damage to the retina and significant vision loss.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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