ISLAMABAD: Amid mounting concerns over the health of former prime minister Imran Khan, with reports suggesting he has lost 85 percent of his right eyesight, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday issued a stark warning to the government: If Khan is blinded, many others will follow.
Speaking at a press conference, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akber, along with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, made it clear that the authorities must urgently address Khan’s medical needs, or face severe consequences.
Akber warned the government that “If Imran Khan goes blind, many will go blind,” indicating that public unrest could erupt if Khan’s health continues to deteriorate without proper care.
He also revealed that PTI MNA Adil Bazai had been diagnosed with lymphoma, but the government was reluctant to facilitate his treatment abroad.
“We hate you. You can file FIRs against us, but this will only increase our hatred. We will not be silenced by your empty threats,” he added.
He also launched a scathing critique of the intelligence agencies, stating that their role should be to protect citizens, not target individuals.
He also criticized those he held responsible for foisting corrupt leaders on the nation, noting that while the PTI had previously been pro-establishment, its experiences have led it to lose any remaining sympathy for the powers that be.
Despite the criticism, PTI leaders called for reconciliation, urging the government to move past grievances.
“Imran Khan is a big-hearted man and would forgive everything,” he said, adding that peace in the country could only be achieved by recognising the will of the people, as expressed through their support for Khan.
Taking aim at the current leadership, he remarked: “My Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] doesn’t come to the assembly, nor does the Interior Minister [Mohsin Naqvi], because they know they didn’t come through an election. Our youth is far from you, and they will only accept you if you accept Imran Khan.”
He reiterated that Khan, having endured three years of political turbulence, could not be broken, stating: “We want a strong Pakistan,” and declaring that anyone responsible for taking a life should be labelled a terrorist.
“If you hurt Imran Khan, no one will love you,” Akber warned, stressing that growing public disillusionment with the government could result in a significant shift in political loyalties.
During the press briefing, Sohail Afridi provided a concerning update on Khan’s health, revealing that his vision had worsened significantly, with only 15 percent remaining.
He accused the authorities of gross negligence, citing reports that Khan had been injected without the consent of his personal doctor or family, calling it a “criminal act” and a violation of jail protocols.
Afridi further pointed out the stark contrast in the response to Khan’s deteriorating condition compared to the media and judiciary’s attention to Nawaz Sharif’s health when he was in custody.
He described the situation as critical, noting that Khan had not complained about his health for over 900 days, but now the situation was untenable.
“We are serious now,” Afridi said, adding that PTI’s core committee would soon convene to discuss further steps, including possible actions to pressure the government into addressing Khan’s health issues.
He also suggested that PTI would mobilise politically, declaring, “We will raise our voices for Khan’s freedom from this illegitimate government.”
Salman Akram Rajaspoke out against the judicial delays in Imran Khan’s cases, particularly the failure of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to address his legal matters for over a year.
He called for Khan’s immediate release and for trusted medical professionals to be allowed to treat him without interference.
He also urged masses across the country to rally behind the call for Khan’s release and fair medical treatment, saying, “Do we just have to suffer, or will we stand up and raise our voices.”
He stressed that the masses are no longer intimidated by threats, particularly those targeting their families, and demanded that the government ensure Khan’s access to proper medical care.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026