Introduction

Islamabad, Pakistan — A dramatic and concerning picture of former prime minister Imran Khan’s health has emerged after Barrister Salman Safdar submitted a comprehensive medical report to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The court appointed Safdar to independently assess Khan’s condition inside Adiala Jail. His findings triggered urgent legal directives, political uproar, and renewed debate over prisoner healthcare and human rights.

Severe Vision Loss in Right Eye

• The report highlights a serious deterioration in Imran Khan’s health, particularly the sharp decline in vision in his right eye.
• According to the document presented before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Khan now retains only about 15 percent vision in his right eye, meaning he has lost approximately 85 percent of sight in that eye.
• The problem developed over several months. Khan first experienced blurred and hazy vision in late 2025. He says he repeatedly informed jail authorities about the issue, but they did not provide timely specialist care.
• Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences examined him on February 6, 2026. They diagnosed central retinal vein occlusion, a serious condition caused by a blood clot in the retinal vein that can permanently damage eyesight.
• Khan told Salman Safdar that he had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes as recently as October 2025. Since then, his right eye deteriorated significantly. Although an ophthalmologist later examined him and administered treatment, the damage has left him with only partial eyesight.
• During a three-hour meeting inside jail, Safdar noticed visible distress. Khan’s eyes remained watery, and he repeatedly wiped them with tissues. Safdar included these observations in his report to describe Khan’s physical discomfort.

Medical Care Allegations and Treatment Delays

• Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), strongly criticized the medical response provided in jail.
• PTI leaders say Khan repeatedly sought medical help but initially received only eye drops instead of specialist consultation. They argue that earlier intervention might have prevented severe damage.
• After his condition worsened, a PIMS ophthalmologist examined him, confirmed the blood clot, and administered injectable treatment. Despite this intervention, Khan’s vision remains severely limited.
• Khan’s legal team also claims that authorities restricted access for his personal physician and a retina specialist. They further state that officials did not inform his family in advance about his hospital visit.
• Beyond eye-related issues, the report raises additional concerns. Khan has not undergone dental examinations for over two years, and doctors have not conducted routine age-appropriate blood tests. The report also recommends improving his detention conditions, including access to books, since his cell television reportedly does not function.

Supreme Court’s Response

• After reviewing the report, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acted quickly.
• The court ordered a panel of medical specialists, including ophthalmologists, to conduct a comprehensive examination of Khan before February 16, 2026. The bench aims to ensure independent medical evaluation and proper treatment.
• The court also allowed Khan to speak with his sons, who live abroad, recognizing the importance of family contact for mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Chief Justice Yahya Afridi stated that judicial intervention had become necessary to safeguard Khan’s health. He emphasized that the state carries a constitutional duty to provide adequate medical care to all prisoners.
• However, the court declined a request to let family members observe the medical examination, a decision that disappointed Khan’s supporters.

   Political Fallout and Public Reaction

• The revelations about Imran Khan’s health triggered strong political reactions across Pakistan.
• PTI leaders and opposition figures described the situation as negligence and warned of legal action against jail officials, including the former Adiala Jail superintendent.
• The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan joined PTI in demanding unrestricted medical access and treatment by doctors trusted by Khan’s family.
• Government representatives, however, urged restraint. They cautioned political actors against exploiting health concerns and stressed that authorities must ensure proper medical care without turning the issue into a political confrontation.

Broader Human Rights Concerns

Human rights advocates argue that the issue goes beyond politics. They say the case raises fundamental questions about prisoner rights, transparency in medical treatment, and state accountability.

Because Imran Khan remains a high-profile political figure, the case has attracted international attention. Observers continue to monitor how authorities address his medical needs and whether institutional safeguards function effectively.

Conclusion

The medical report that Salman Safdar submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan presents a serious picture of Imran Khan’s health, especially the significant loss of vision in his right eye. The findings prompted immediate judicial action, intensified political debate, and renewed scrutiny of prison healthcare standards.

As Pakistan awaits the results of the court-ordered medical review, Imran Khan’s health remains central to legal proceedings, political discourse, and broader human rights discussions across the country.