Quick Read
- Imran Khan will be transferred to a specialized hospital for treatment of severe vision loss in his right eye.
- His PTI party has launched nationwide protests, blocking major roads and staging a parliamentary sit-in, demanding his release and proper medical care.
- The PTI alleges the transfer is being conducted secretly, without consulting Khan’s family or personal physicians, calling it a human rights violation.
- The Supreme Court had directed authorities to arrange a medical assessment and facilitate a call with Khan’s sons.
- Former Pakistani and Indian cricketers have publicly called for Khan to receive appropriate medical treatment.
ISLAMABAD (Azat TV) – Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan is slated for a transfer to a specialized medical facility for treatment of a severe eye condition, a decision announced by the government on Saturday. This development follows intense pressure from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which has staged widespread protests and a parliamentary sit-in, alongside a recent directive from the Supreme Court. However, the PTI has vehemently rejected the government’s handling of the transfer, alleging it is being conducted secretly and without consulting Khan’s family or personal physicians, raising grave concerns for his well-being.
Imran Khan’s Deteriorating Vision Triggers Nationwide Protests
Reports detailing the severe deterioration of Imran Khan’s eyesight have sparked a wave of protests across Pakistan, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where PTI activists blocked major roads for a second consecutive day on Saturday. The demonstrations, which began on Friday, were ignited by a report submitted to the Supreme Court by a “friend of the court” lawyer, indicating that the 73-year-old former premier had suffered central retinal vein occlusion, resulting in approximately 85% vision loss in his right eye. Protesters, including Senator Khuram Shehzad and provincial ministers Meena Khan and Aqibullah Khan, shut down key arteries such as the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway and the Hazara Motorway, demanding Khan’s immediate release for proper medical care under the supervision of a personal physician. They vowed to continue their sit-ins until their demands were met, asserting that the federal government’s negligence was to blame for Khan’s health issues, according to Dawn.
Government Confirms Hospital Transfer Amidst PTI’s Secrecy Allegations
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Saturday that Imran Khan would undergo treatment at a specialized eye facility, with a detailed report to be submitted to the Supreme Court. Tarar urged against “conjecture, speculations and efforts to turn this into political rhetoric,” emphasizing humanitarian considerations and legal requirements, as reported by AP. However, this official announcement was immediately met with strong condemnation from the PTI. The party alleged that authorities were planning a “secret transfer” without informing Khan’s family or legal team, calling it a “blatant violation of both fundamental human rights and prevailing legal requirements.” The PTI stated that jail rules mandate family and doctor consultation before any medical examination, treatment, or transfer, and warned that any unilateral action would hold the government “entirely responsible for the consequences,” according to India Today. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed he had spoken to his sons for about 20 minutes, but reiterated the family’s demand for consultation on medical procedures.
Supreme Court Intervention and Broader Political Context
The Supreme Court had earlier this week directed authorities to constitute a medical board to examine Khan’s eyes and facilitate a telephone call with his sons before February 16. This intervention underscored the growing national concern over Khan’s health. Imran Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022 via a parliamentary no-confidence vote, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following a conviction in a graft case involving state gifts. He faces a slew of other charges, all of which he and his party maintain are politically motivated. His lawyers filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court on Saturday seeking suspension of his December 20, 2025 conviction in the graft case, arguing that continued incarceration during the appeal would result in a “grave miscarriage of justice,” Arab News reported. Despite his legal battles and imprisonment, Khan remains a highly popular figure, with his PTI party making a strong showing in the February 2024 parliamentary election, despite claims of widespread rigging.
Calls for Humanitarian Treatment Resound
The plight of the former cricket captain and prime minister has garnered widespread sympathy and calls for appropriate medical care from various quarters. Former Pakistani cricket stars, including Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Ramiz Raja, and Mohammad Hafeez, have publicly expressed their concern and urged authorities to ensure Khan receives the best possible treatment. Waqar Younis highlighted Khan’s contributions to the nation, including winning the Cricket World Cup and establishing cancer hospitals, emphasizing that “humanity prevails,” according to Stabroek News. Even former India batter Ajay Jadeja joined the calls for Pakistani cricketers to show their support. This bipartisan and cross-border appeal underscores the humanitarian dimension of Khan’s situation, transcending political divides.
The government’s decision to move Imran Khan for medical treatment, while seemingly a response to humanitarian and legal pressures, is deeply entangled in the ongoing political struggle. The PTI’s immediate accusations of secrecy and lack of consultation suggest a continued distrust between the opposition and the authorities, indicating that the provision of medical care for the imprisoned leader will remain a highly contentious issue, potentially further fueling political instability and public discontent.