Rawalpindi, Jan 27 (.) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday expressed concern over reports that jailed party founder and former PM Imran Khan is suffering from a serious eye condition, calling for immediate family access and specialised medical treatment.
Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Gohar said he had learned of Khan’s alleged ailment through media reports.
“If this is true, it is worrying,” he said, stressing that family meetings should not be politicised. “Meetings with his family, including Bushra Bibi, must not be made political.”
The PTI said it had received “credible media reports” which backed the allegation that the PTI founder had been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye — a condition caused by blockage of the retinal vein that can result in permanent loss of vision if left untreated.
“According to medical experts who reportedly examined him in jail, this is an extremely sensitive and serious medical condition which, if not treated promptly and properly, carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight,” the party said in a statement posted on its official X account.
The party claimed that administration of Adiala Jail – where the former premier has been incarcerated since 2023 – was insisting on treating Khan inside the prison premises, despite specialists advising against it, arguing that proper treatment was “not possible in jail” and required an operation theatre and specialised medical facilities.
“This attitude places Imran Khan’s eyesight and overall health in grave danger,” the PTI said, adding that the former prime minister had last been allowed to see his personal physician in October 2024 — a move the former reigning party described as “a blatant violation of court orders and a gross breach of fundamental human rights.”
PTI raising alarm over the issue, demanded from the federal govt and prison officials that Khan be granted unrestricted meetings with his family and close associates to reassure them about his health, and that he be immediately transferred to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital or “any other reputable hospital of his own choice” for treatment.
“The responsibility for any permanent damage to Imran Khan’s eyesight will lie squarely with the government and the jail administration,” the party warned.
Later, the administration of Shaukat Khanum Hospital – founded by Khan – requested that a medical team be allowed immediate access to examine him.
In a post on X, the hospital expressed concern but said it could not independently verify the reports.
However, Khan’s sister, Noreen Khan, has dismissed claims of any ailments and said that the PTI founder did not suffer from any eye-related issues, adding that he was in perfectly good health.
She further alleged that false information was being deliberately circulated to create confusion.
Separately, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan whilst addressing national security issues stressed, that terrorism must not be politicised. “There should be no politics or leniency on terrorism,” he said.
“Provincial and federal governments must protect lives and property. We do not negotiate with those targeting us.”
. . CDS