Islamabad, February 12, 2026: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the formation of a medical team to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s right eye, following a report submitted in court in which the PTI founder claimed he retains only 15% vision. The court also ordered that Imran be allowed to speak with his children, with both the eye inspection and phone calls to take place before February 16.
The directives were issued as a two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed hearings on Imran Khan’s living conditions in Adiala Jail.
Imran underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on the night of January 24, a development reportedly unknown to his family until days later. CJP Afridi emphasized the importance of the matter, stating that “intervention was necessary” and noting that the government’s position on the ex-premier’s health needed to be clarified. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan affirmed that providing medical facilities is the state’s responsibility, adding that “if the prisoner is not satisfied, then the state will take measures.”
The court also dismissed a request to examine Imran’s eye in the presence of family members. Regarding a request for books, AGP Awan said they would be provided after consultation with ophthalmologists.
The case follows a seven-page report submitted by PTI counsel and amicus curiae, Advocate Salman Safdar, who met Imran in Adiala Jail. The report quoted Imran stating that prior to October 2025, he had normal vision in both eyes, but subsequently suffered blurred and hazy vision, eventually losing most sight in his right eye due to a blood clot. Despite treatment, including an intravitreal injection, his vision reportedly remains at 15%. Safdar observed that Imran appeared visibly distressed and in physical discomfort during the meeting.
The report also noted that Imran’s personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yusuf, had been denied access during a critical period, and that routine blood tests and dental care had not been provided over the past months and years, respectively. Safdar highlighted that Imran’s concerns were reportedly not addressed by jail authorities until the previous jail superintendent, Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, was replaced by Sajid Baig on January 16, 2026.
A separate medical report dated February 6 by PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander confirmed the diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion and recommended hospital-based follow-up, including an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, which was administered under standard sterile protocols.
The matter has also drawn public attention, with Imran’s son Kasim Khan describing his father’s condition as “a direct consequence of solitary confinement and medical neglect,” while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed the reports of mistreatment were “misrepresented” and noted that all facilities and privileges had been provided to the former premier.
The Supreme Court continues to monitor developments, balancing medical care, prison oversight, and family access as the case proceeds.
