Pakistan Supreme Court Intervenes in Imran Khan's Health Crisis, Orders Medical Board
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken decisive action regarding the deteriorating health of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. On Thursday, the court issued a directive for authorities to constitute a specialized medical board to conduct a thorough assessment of Khan's condition, particularly focusing on alarming reports of severe vision loss in one of his eyes.
Court Prioritizes Health and Family Communication
A bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and including Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan emphasized the critical nature of the situation. "The issue of Imran's health is most important. Intervention is necessary," Chief Justice Afridi stated during the hearing. The bench further instructed officials to facilitate communication between Khan and his two sons, who reside in the United Kingdom with his former wife, British producer and screenwriter Jemima Goldsmith. "His phone calls with his son are also important," the Chief Justice added, highlighting the court's concern for both medical and familial welfare.
The court resumed hearing a case concerning the jail conditions of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder-president and mandated a detailed medical examination to be completed before February 16. During proceedings, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan affirmed the state's responsibility to provide appropriate medical care to the former prime minister.
Background and Medical Report Details
This judicial order follows closely on the heels of the court's earlier instruction to PTI leader and lawyer Salman Safdar to meet Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. Khan has been detained there since August 5, 2023, following his conviction in a corruption case. Safdar's subsequent report to the court, submitted after his meeting, marked the first interaction with the jailed leader since December 2, when his sister, Uzma Khan, was permitted a brief 20-minute visit.
According to details reported by Dawn newspaper, Safdar's comprehensive account included:
- A description of his meeting with Imran Khan
- Observations on the condition of Khan's cell
- An assessment of the facilities provided to him
- A detailed account of his living area
- The procedural steps taken to access the jail
Most critically, the report quoted Khan as revealing that despite receiving medical treatment, including an injection, he retains only 15% vision in his right eye. Khan recounted that until October 2025, he enjoyed normal vision in both eyes before experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision. He repeatedly reported these symptoms to the then jail superintendent, but no corrective action was taken.
Medical Diagnosis and Contradictory Statements
The situation escalated when Khan suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye. Medical intervention followed, with eye specialist Dr. Muhammad Arif from Pims Hospital conducting an examination. The diagnosis revealed a blood clot that had caused serious damage to the eye. Despite subsequent treatment efforts, Khan's vision in the affected eye remains severely impaired at just 15 percent.
In a contradictory development, Safdar denied making any public statements about Khan's health on Tuesday, clarifying that any attributions to him had been misrepresented or misreported. However, on the actual day of his jail visit, Safdar had told reporters that the imprisoned leader appeared "fine and healthy," creating confusion about the true state of Khan's condition.
The Supreme Court's intervention underscores growing concerns about the health and treatment of the prominent political figure, whose detention continues to draw national and international attention. The formation of a medical board represents a significant step toward ensuring proper medical evaluation and care for the former prime minister during his incarceration.
