Imran Khan’s health concerns escalate amid dispute over jail medical inspection

WEB DESK: A medical board visited Adiala Jail on Sunday to examine former prime minister Imran Khan, spending about an hour conducting tests before leaving the premises, according to official sources. The inspection followed his recent claim that vision in his right eye had deteriorated to 15 per cent. Acting on the complaint, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to arrange a comprehensive medical assessment and facilitate his contact with his children before February 16.

Despite earlier indications from government representatives that he might be shifted to a hospital, no transfer took place on Sunday. Speculation intensified when his sister, Noreen Khanum, stated on social media that an ambulance had arrived at the jail to move him. Jail officials, however, denied that any relocation was underway, clarifying that doctors were evaluating his condition to determine whether treatment could continue inside the facility or required hospitalisation.

Sources said the five-member team conducted a detailed eye examination, collected blood samples and monitored his blood pressure. The doctors reportedly brought specialised ophthalmic equipment and began their work after a delay of nearly two and a half hours. Their findings are expected to be compiled into a formal report.

Khan previously underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on January 24, a development confirmed days later.

Soon after Sunday’s examination concluded, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the process, calling it improper and alleging ill intent. In a statement, the party argued that sensitive medical decisions should involve Khan’s family and personal physicians, asserting that excluding them undermined both legal and moral considerations. PTI maintained that symbolic invitations to party leaders could not substitute for the presence of his chosen doctors during such evaluations.

Family’s demand unchanged

In a statement posted on X a few hours after the jail examination, Aleema Khan, provided further context to the family’s objections, reiterating that their position had remained unchanged from the outset.

She said the family had demanded that Imran Khan be examined and treated by specialist doctors at Shifa International Hospital in the presence of his personal physician, Dr Asim Yousaf, along with a family representative.

According to her account, the government declined to accept the specialist initially recommended by the family’s doctors, prompting them to suggest alternative names. She said Dr Uzma Khan was first proposed to represent the family, but authorities informed them that Khan’s sisters would not be allowed to attend and asked for another nominee.

The family then put forward their cousin, Dr Nausherwan Burki, as an alternative representative. However, she claimed that his name was also rejected.

Calling the situation “unacceptable”, she said the repeated refusal to allow a family-appointed medical representative had deepened their concerns. Questioning the rationale behind the decisions, she asked why both nominees, whom she described as highly qualified doctors, were being denied permission to be present during the examination.