Imran Khan Loses 85% Vision in Right Eye, Amicus Curiae Tells Pakistan Supreme Court; Flags Critical Medical Neglect

Islamabad: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently lodged in Adiala Jail, has suffered a serious eye injury and is facing critical health issues, according to a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Amicus Curiae Salman Safdar.

The report states that Khan has lost nearly 85 percent of vision in his right eye, allegedly after prison authorities failed to act on his repeated health complaints over several months. Until October 2025, he reportedly had normal vision in both eyes. However, his eyesight began to deteriorate thereafter. Despite informing prison officials multiple times, no timely medical intervention was provided, the report claims.

It further states that Khan suddenly lost vision in his right eye, following which an ophthalmologist was consulted. Medical examination reportedly revealed a blood clot inside the eye that caused severe damage. Despite receiving injections and treatment, vision in the right eye has been reduced to approximately 15 percent.

Safdar also informed the court that Khan has been held in solitary confinement for nearly two years and four months since being shifted to Adiala Jail in October 2023, which has adversely affected both his mental and physical health. The 73-year-old former Prime Minister is said to be suffering from multiple health issues but has been denied adequate access to medical care. The report claims that routine blood tests appropriate for his age have not been conducted.

Additionally, strict restrictions have reportedly been imposed on family visits. Despite court orders, he has not been allowed to meet his family members, including his sisters, regularly. In 2025, he was reportedly permitted to speak to his sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, only twice over the phone. The report also alleges that he has not been allowed to meet his primary lawyer or legal team for the past five months, which is said to be hampering his legal defense.

Safdar urged the court to intervene urgently, warning that further delay could endanger Khan’s life. He requested that Khan be examined immediately by expert ophthalmologists and that permission for regular meetings with family members and legal counsel be restored.

Following the submission of the amicus curiae report, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Khan’s health condition. The court also directed officials to facilitate communication between Khan and his former wife and children.

Former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has been in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 5, 2023, after being convicted in a corruption case.