Full Breakdown
Deteriorating Health of Imran Khan: Supreme Court Intervenes
2/12/2026, 8:35:23 PM
Imran Khan's Vision Loss and Health Concerns
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, has reportedly lost 85% of his vision in his right eye, now functioning at only 15%. This alarming condition was highlighted in a detailed report submitted by Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The report, based on a two-hour interview with Khan on February 10, 2026, indicates that Khan's vision deterioration began in October 2025, following persistent complaints to jail authorities that were allegedly ignored for three months.
Khan's medical condition was diagnosed as "right central retinal vein occlusion," a serious ailment caused by a blood clot that can lead to severe retinal damage. Despite undergoing a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in January 2026, including an anti-VEGF injection, his vision has not improved. Safdar noted that Khan appeared "visibly perturbed and deeply distressed" during their meeting, frequently using tissues to wipe his watery eyes.
Supreme Court's Response and Orders
In response to the report, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, ordered the formation of a medical board to examine Khan's eye and mandated that he be allowed to communicate with his sons, who reside in the United Kingdom. The court emphasized the importance of Khan's health, stating that "intervention was necessary" and that all prisoners, including Khan, should receive equal medical care without preferential treatment.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the court that the government would provide necessary medical facilities and take action if Khan remained unsatisfied with his care. The court set a deadline for the medical evaluation and communication with his family to be completed by February 16, 2026.
Criticism and Opposition
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan's political party, expressed "profound concern" over his health, condemning the treatment he has received in custody. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja accused the state of committing a "crime" against Khan, attributing negligence to the former jail superintendent, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, who was transferred in January 2026. Raja claimed that Khan's health issues were exacerbated by a lack of timely medical intervention and access to his legal team and family.
Khan's son, Kasim Khan, also criticized the government's handling of his father's health, asserting that the deterioration was a direct result of "solitary confinement and medical neglect." He called for accountability from those responsible for his father's condition and urged international human rights organizations to intervene.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the Supreme Court's intervention has been welcomed by Khan's supporters, there are conflicting reports regarding the adequacy of his medical care and living conditions in jail. Some sources indicate that Khan has been provided with basic amenities and medical attention, while others highlight significant restrictions on his access to legal counsel and family visits. The PTI has warned that any further negligence could provoke a severe public reaction and has reserved the right to initiate legal proceedings against officials involved.
What's Next
The Supreme Court's orders for a medical examination and family communication are set to be fulfilled by February 16, 2026. The ongoing scrutiny of Khan's health and treatment in custody continues to raise questions about the state of human rights in Pakistan, particularly concerning the treatment of political prisoners. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both Khan's political future and the broader political landscape in Pakistan.
