Rawalpindi -UNS: A medical team on Sunday examined former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, following directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan amid reports of significant vision loss in his right eye.
According to jail authorities, a board comprising specialist doctors conducted a detailed examination of the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder inside the prison premises under strict security arrangements. The team departed after approximately one hour.
Officials stated that a medical report would be compiled and submitted to the relevant authorities to determine whether Mr. Khan requires transfer to a hospital or can continue treatment within the jail facility.
The examination follows a February 12 order of the apex court directing the formation of a medical board after a court-appointed amicus curiae reported that the 73-year-old former premier had suffered severe vision impairment due to central retinal vein occlusion, leaving him with approximately 15 per cent sight in the affected eye.
The court also instructed authorities to facilitate telephone contact between Mr. Khan and his children before February 16.
While government representatives indicated on Saturday that Mr. Khan would be transferred to a hospital and that a medical board would be constituted for his treatment, no transfer had taken place by Sunday afternoon.
The jail superintendent dismissed circulating reports of an immediate relocation as “rumours,” clarifying that only a medical assessment was underway.
In a statement issued later in the evening, the jail administration confirmed that expert ophthalmologists from multiple hospitals had conducted the examination using requisite medical equipment and medicines. “A detailed eye check-up is being carried out under the supervision of the Medical Board. The report is expected to be finalised shortly,” the statement read.
However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rejected the examination, describing it as unacceptable in the absence of Mr. Khan’s family members and personal physicians. Party spokespersons argued that decisions regarding sensitive medical matters rest with the family and emphasised that independent doctors should be granted access before any conclusions are drawn.
“A medical assessment conducted behind closed doors does not inspire public confidence,” a PTI statement said, adding that transparency and family oversight were essential to ensure due process.
Separately, Mr. Khan’s sister, Noreen Khanum, wrote on social media that an ambulance had arrived at the prison to shift him to a hospital, though officials did not confirm any such transfer at the time of reporting.
Mr. Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 following his conviction in a graft case. He was removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
