Imran Khan’s reported right-eye vision loss sparks political controversy, legal action and medical review as family alleges neglect and Pakistan govt responds.
Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, said his father suffered major vision loss in his right eye due to a lack of treatment during detention.
A fresh political and legal controversy has erupted in Pakistan after jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s family alleged serious deterioration in his eyesight during imprisonment. The claims have triggered court intervention, medical reviews, and renewed debate over prison conditions. While Khan’s son and legal team accuse authorities of medical neglect during prolonged solitary confinement, government officials maintain that he is receiving proper care and remains in stable health.
Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, said his father suffered major vision loss in his right eye due to a lack of treatment during detention.
“We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests), and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail,” he wrote on X.
According to legal submissions and reports presented in court, Khan earlier had normal vision but later developed blurred sight and was diagnosed with a blood clot affecting his eye. Despite treatment, only limited vision reportedly remains.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf counsel Advocate Salman Safdar said Khan described a sudden deterioration in vision.
“According to [Imran], he was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage, and despite the treatment administered (including an injection), he has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye,” the report stated.
We have been informed that my father, Imran Khan, has lost most of the vision in his right eye, with reports indicating only 15% eyesight remains. This is the direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of…
— Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 12, 2026
Safdar also noted Khan’s mental state after the condition worsened.
“He was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage… he has been left with only 15 percent vision in his right eye,” the report stated.
He added that Khan appeared deeply disturbed during their meeting and had repeatedly complained about blurred vision before treatment.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar rejected allegations of neglect and said authorities shared detailed medical reports with Khan’s family. Officials stated he underwent an eye procedure earlier and currently remains in “good health,” countering claims made by his party and relatives.
Meanwhile, Khan’s family and party continue to seek access for personal doctors and relatives, arguing that transparency remains essential amid rising concerns about his health.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered a medical review after hearing claims about Khan’s declining eyesight. Judges directed authorities to conduct a specialist examination and facilitate communication with his sons, highlighting the state’s responsibility to ensure prisoner health.
Khan’s party has also approached courts seeking full medical records and visitation rights, turning the issue into a broader debate over human rights and prison conditions in Pakistan.
Khan’s health has long remained politically sensitive since his imprisonment following corruption charges. Supporters argue that inadequate treatment reflects political persecution, while the government insists he receives necessary care. The dispute has intensified political divisions and drawn attention from rights groups monitoring prisoner welfare.
