Imran Khan’s Eye Condition Sparks Human Rights Concerns as Supreme Court Orders Medical Review
- Human Rights Research Center
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
February 25, 2026
HRRC expresses concern over the reported denial of timely and independent medical access to former prime minister Imran Khan, which threatens to violate his fundamental human rights and the state’s duty of care. HRRC urges the authorities to ensure transparent, independent medical treatment and full compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards.
![Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chant slogans during a protest over concerns about their leader's health in Karachi, Pakistan [Image credit: Reuters]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_d715913df87d42cdb06b91b9600982ab~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_33,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_d715913df87d42cdb06b91b9600982ab~mv2.png)
Concerns over jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s deteriorating eyesight have intensified, triggering scrutiny from political leaders, his family and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The 73-year-old former Pakistani prime minister, currently held at the Central Jail Rawalpindi (also known as Adiala Jail) since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases including the corruption case of Qadir Trust, May 9 Riots Case, and Cipher Case (allegedly leaking a classified diplomatic cable) – which Khan has described as politically motivated – has reported severe vision loss in his right eye.
A medical report from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences diagnosed Khan with right central retinal vein occlusion, for which he received anti-VEGF treatment. While an initial court filing quoted Khan as saying he was left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye, a subsequent medical board reported improvement and did not recommend hospital transfer. Government officials have rejected allegations of negligence, maintaining that he is receiving appropriate care.
However, Khan’s family and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), argue the situation raises serious human rights concerns as to Khan’s treatment in prison, specifically as he has been kept alone for a long time (solitary confinement) and has not been allowed regular access to independent specialist doctors of his choice. His sisters, Aleema and Noreen Khanum, have said that the situation is “extremely concerning and unacceptable,” and have rejected examinations conducted without personal physicians or family representatives present.
Pakistan’s political opposition, led by Imran Khan’s party, has demanded Khan’s transfer to a reputable hospital and conducted protests, framing the matter as one of constitutional and human rights protections. The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a medical team, directed that his eye examination be completed within a set timeframe and allowed him to speak with his children. The Supreme Court also sought the government’s position on Khan’s health care.
Glossary
Amicus Curiae – A Latin term meaning “friend of the court”; a person appointed to assist a court by providing information or expertise.
Anti-VEGF Injection – A medical injection used to treat certain eye conditions by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling.
Constitutional – Related to the constitution, the highest legal document of a country.
Custody – Being kept in prison or under official control.
Deteriorating – Gradually becoming worse.
Diagnosis – Identification of a disease or medical condition.
Duty of Care – a legal obligation imposed on an organization (or a State in this case), requiring committed to a standard of reasonable care while preventing any acts that could foreseeably harm others.
Human Rights – Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person.
Independent Medical Access – The ability to be examined or treated by doctors not controlled by the authorities holding the patient.
Intravitreal – A medical procedure involving injection into the eye.
Negligence – Failure to provide proper care or attention.
Ocular – Related to the eyes.
Political Opposition – The opposition is the group of parliamentarians from the largest party (or coalition) not in government, led by an official Leader of the Opposition who is granted specific constitutional powers to consult on key national appointments.
Physicians – a person qualified to practise medicine, especially one who specializes in diagnosis and medical treatment as distinct from surgery.
Retinal Vein Occlusion – A blockage of a vein in the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye), which can cause vision loss.
Solitary Confinement – The practice of keeping a prisoner alone in a separate cell for most of the day.
Transparency – Openness and clarity in actions or decisions.
References