Concerns are mounting over the health of former Pakistani PM Imran Khan, with his party warning that his condition has deteriorated in custody and demanding urgent, independent medical access.
Khan, who is being held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, is reportedly suffering from worsening eyesight along with a broader decline in his physical condition, according to his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a statement issued on Monday, PTI said restricted access to proper medical care and periods of solitary confinement have contributed to the deterioration of his health.
“His condition is deteriorating and requires immediate independent medical attention,” the party said.
PTI also raised concerns over the transparency of medical assessments carried out inside the prison, arguing that they have been conducted without the presence of Khan’s personal doctors or family members.
The party said this raises serious questions about both the credibility of the reports and the protection of the former premier’s patient rights.
The party has called for Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a comprehensive and independent medical examination, particularly focusing on his reported eye condition.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
It stressed that prison facilities are not equipped to handle the level of care required in his case.
PTI further demanded unrestricted access for Khan’s trusted physicians, including Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousaf, and insisted that at least one family member be present during any medical procedures.
The party said such measures are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in his treatment.
In addition, PTI has urged authorities to release complete medical records, including retinal imaging and other vision-related tests, for independent review. It argued that withholding such information only fuels further suspicion about the adequacy of care being provided.
Legal team warns of “critical condition”
In a separate message conveyed through his legal team, Khan reportedly described his condition as “critical” and warned that authorities would be held responsible if anything were to happen to him in custody. The statement has intensified concerns among his supporters and political allies.
Despite the growing alarm over his health, Khan has instructed party leaders to temporarily pause protests in Islamabad. The move signals a strategic shift by PTI as it navigates ongoing legal challenges and political tensions in the country.
Concerns have also been raised about the health of senior PTI leader Ijaz Chaudhry, who remains imprisoned and is reportedly suffering from advanced kidney disease. According to the party, his condition cannot be adequately treated within prison facilities, and it has called for his urgent transfer to a hospital for specialised care.
PTI has emphasised that access to proper healthcare is a fundamental right of all detainees, regardless of their political affiliation or legal status. The party warned that continued delays in providing appropriate medical treatment could pose serious risks to the lives of prisoners.
The situation comes amid ongoing political tensions in Pakistan following Khan’s removal from office in 2022. Since then, he has faced multiple legal cases, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. Authorities, however, have consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that the cases are based on legal grounds.
Alongside concerns about Khan’s health, PTI also criticised the country’s worsening economic conditions, pointing to rising inflation, increasing electricity and gas prices, and shortages affecting both households and businesses. The party argued that these issues are adding to public frustration at a time of political uncertainty.
For now, the focus remains firmly on Khan’s condition inside prison, with his party continuing to press for immediate and transparent medical intervention. PTI has warned that any further delay in providing independent care could have serious consequences, as calls grow louder for authorities to ensure his health and safety in custody.
