Imran Khan to Receive Eye Treatment After Reported Vision Loss

Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will receive treatment for an eye condition at a specialized medical facility, a cabinet minister said Saturday, following concerns about a partial loss of vision.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on X that Khan would be examined by leading eye specialists as part of ongoing treatment that began in late January. Khan had reported partial vision loss in his right eye. Tarar did not disclose where or when the treatment would take place.

“A detailed report will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Tarar said, urging the public to avoid speculation or political point-scoring.

Earlier this week, Khan’s lawyer told the Supreme Court that the 73-year-old former leader had lost about 85% of the vision in his right eye. The court ordered authorities to arrange a medical evaluation by a panel of doctors and to facilitate a phone call between Khan and his sons before Feb. 16.

Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have staged protests in Islamabad and other cities, demanding that he be transferred from prison to a hospital for specialized care. Some PTI lawmakers and allies have also held a sit-in outside parliament.

Khan’s family criticized the government’s handling of the situation, saying they were not consulted before treatment arrangements were announced. They have called for family members and Khan’s personal physician to be present during future procedures.

Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, said authorities arranged the phone call and that Khan spoke with his sons for about 20 minutes. She said he was “extremely happy” to hear their voices and that the family was awaiting urgent treatment at an eye hospital under the supervision of his personal doctors.

The former cricket star-turned-politician has been imprisoned since 2023 following a conviction in a graft case. He was removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Khan has alleged his removal was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and Pakistan’s former army chief—claims denied by Washington, Pakistan’s military, and his opponents.

Despite his legal troubles, Khan remains a powerful political figure. His party performed strongly in the Feb. 8, 2024, parliamentary election but did not secure a majority in the National Assembly. PTI has alleged the vote was rigged, a claim rejected by the government.