Medical specialists evaluate Imran Khan’s vision loss at Adiala Jail

A high-level panel of medical experts arrived at Adiala Jail on Wednesday to conduct a comprehensive examination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, following a direct mandate from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The health of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has become a focal point of concern after reports surfaced regarding a severe ophthalmological condition. Khan has been diagnosed with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a serious vascular disorder affecting the eye’s retina. While the ailment was first officially acknowledged in late January, his legal counsel maintains that he has been struggling with deteriorating vision since October.

Medical Intervention and Concerns

The court-mandated board is comprised of leading specialists from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital. Key members include Dr. Mohammad Arif, PIMS Ophthalmology head, and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi, a renowned retina specialist.

During court proceedings last week, Khan’s legal representatives presented a grim assessment, claiming the former premier has lost approximately 85% of his sight in the affected eye. This prompted a division bench, led by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, to order a formal evaluation to determine if Khan requires an immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialized surgery or long-term care.

PTI Responds to Regional Turmoil

Parallel to the health crisis, the PTI leadership issued a strong statement regarding the assassination of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram extended condolences to Tehran, praising Larijani’s tenure as a stabilizing force in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Akram utilized the moment to draw a comparison between the regional instability and the domestic political climate in Pakistan. He argued that the “aggression” seen on the global stage necessitates a visionary leader at home. In a renewed demand for justice, the PTI called for the immediate release of Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, asserting that their continued incarceration is based on “politically motivated” charges.

The party maintains that as a “unifying figure,” Khan’s presence in the political arena is essential to navigate the current geopolitical crises. For now, the nation awaits the medical board’s report, which will likely decide whether the former prime minister remains in the confines of Adiala or is moved to a tertiary care facility.