PTI Warns of Permanent Vision Loss for Imran Khan

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Islamabad
• Jan 28, 2026
• 582

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a serious warning over the deteriorating health of its jailed founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, claiming he faces the risk of permanent blindness if he is not provided urgent and specialised medical treatment.
According to a report published by Pakistani daily DAWN, PTI said in a statement on social media platform X that Imran Khan has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye — a severe condition caused by blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina.
The party quoted prison doctors as describing the condition as “extremely serious and critical,” warning that delayed treatment could result in irreversible loss of eyesight.
PTI alleged that despite medical advice, the Adiala Jail administration is insisting on treating Imran Khan inside the prison, where essential facilities are unavailable. Doctors, the party said, have made it clear that treatment of CRVO requires operation theatre facilities, a sterile environment and specialised retina care — none of which exist at Adiala Jail.
The party has demanded that Imran Khan be immediately shifted to a major hospital of his choice, specifically naming Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital or any other well-equipped medical institution. PTI has also called for unrestricted meetings between Imran Khan and his family and close associates.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sisters, including Noorin Khanum and Aleema Khanum, staged a protest outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday along with PTI supporters. Noorin Khanum said the family had not been officially informed of any eye disease and questioned why such serious information was not communicated earlier if it were true.
Aleema Khanum accused prison authorities of withholding medical information from both the family and the legal team, asking who had leaked the details to the media. PTI further claimed that Aleema Khanum was stopped by police while returning from the jail.
The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan has also demanded immediate action and permission for family visits.
Medical experts say Central Retinal Vein Occlusion occurs when the main retinal vein becomes blocked, leading to accumulation of blood, swelling and internal bleeding in the retina. If untreated, it can cause permanent retinal damage and blindness. Specialists warn that the risk of irreversible vision loss rises sharply if treatment is delayed beyond 24 to 72 hours, particularly in severe cases.
CRVO cannot be managed in small clinics or with routine medicines. Standard treatment involves urgent care by a retina specialist, often including intra-ocular injections to control swelling and, in some cases, laser procedures. Control of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol is also critical.
PTI accused the government of endangering a prisoner’s life due to political rivalry, claiming Imran Khan last met his personal physician in October 2024. The party said no regular medical examinations have been allowed since then, despite directives from the Islamabad High Court. According to PTI, a petition seeking regular medical check-ups has been pending since August 2025.
The party described the situation as a blatant violation of court orders and fundamental human rights.
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and faces more than 100 cases. He has been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment in corruption matters, including the Toshakhana case and the Al-Qadir Trust case. NAB registered the Al-Qadir Trust case against him, his wife Bushra Bibi and others in December 2023.
Historically, medical experts note that former US President Woodrow Wilson suffered a condition with symptoms similar to CRVO, although the diagnosis did not formally exist at the time.