Full Breakdown
Imran Khan's Vision Loss Raises Concerns Amid Legal Battles
2/14/2026, 1:21:15 AM
Deteriorating Health in Custody
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has reportedly lost 85% of the vision in his right eye while incarcerated. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, informed the Supreme Court that Khan has been experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision since October 2025, yet prison authorities did not take action until recently. Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated efforts by the military to exclude him from politics—a claim the military denies.
Medical Treatment and Legal Proceedings
Khan's health issues prompted a Supreme Court hearing, where Safdar submitted a medical report indicating that Khan was diagnosed with a right central retinal vein occlusion. Following this diagnosis, Khan underwent a 20-minute medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. The Supreme Court has mandated that authorities allow Khan access to his personal physician by February 16, 2026, to further assess his condition.
Public Response and Political Implications
In response to Khan's deteriorating health, small groups of supporters gathered in various cities, including Karachi, demanding proper medical treatment. Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, emphasizing the need for Khan to have access to a panel of doctors of his choice. Tariq Fazal, Pakistan’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister, stated that the issue is medical rather than political, assuring that the government would provide necessary health support.
Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has faced significant challenges following his arrest, which sparked nationwide protests. The party claims that electoral rigging has undermined its position in the 2024 elections, allowing the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to maintain power. PTI has called for unrestricted access to qualified specialists for Khan, highlighting concerns over his treatment in custody.
Official Statements & Responses
Khan's legal team has demanded immediate compliance with the Supreme Court's order for medical access, emphasizing the urgency of his health situation. The PTI has publicly criticized the government's handling of Khan's imprisonment and health, asserting that the ongoing legal battles are intertwined with his deteriorating condition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the timeline of Khan's medical issues. While his lawyer claims he has been suffering from vision problems since October 2025, government officials stated they were only informed of the issue a month prior to the Supreme Court hearing. This gap raises questions about the responsiveness of prison authorities to Khan's health needs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has been left with only 15% vision in his right eye,” — Salman Safdar, Khan's Lawyer
- “We demand immediate and transparent implementation of the court's order, unrestricted access to qualified specialists of his choice, and an end to tactics that risk his life under custody,” — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party Statement
- “It is not a political issue. It is a medical issue. We will provide every possible support for his health,” — Tariq Fazal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
As Khan's health continues to decline, the intersection of his legal challenges and medical needs remains a focal point of public and political discourse in Pakistan.
