Imran Khan Eye Vision Claim Sparks New Political Storm
A fresh political controversy erupted in Islamabad on Wednesday after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan had lost vision in one eye while in prison. Speaking outside the Supreme Court, Raja alleged that the PTI founder’s health had deteriorated in custody and linked the situation to what he described as harsh treatment behind bars.
Raja said the party believed that Imran Khan had been denied basic constitutional and legal protections during his prolonged imprisonment. He told reporters that the former premier had spent nearly 1,000 days in custody and alleged that legal remedies were no longer producing meaningful relief for the party or its jailed founder.
The PTI leader’s comments came days after Imran Khan reportedly received a fourth intravitreal eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on April 28 as part of ongoing treatment. A report submitted before the Supreme Court by lawyer and court-appointed amicus curiae Salman Safdar had stated that Khan was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a serious eye-related condition involving blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina.
Raja alleged that access to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi remained restricted despite court orders concerning visitation rights. He claimed that legal paperwork, including signatures on vakalatnamas, was being obstructed and that only selected individuals were being allowed to meet the PTI founder while his sisters were also being denied access.
The claims have added another sensitive layer to Pakistan’s already tense political environment. Imran Khan’s health has remained a recurring point of concern for PTI leaders and supporters, while the government and prison authorities have previously faced pressure to ensure that he receives appropriate medical care and legal access.
Raja also accused authorities of pursuing politically motivated cases against Bushra Bibi, including references linked to Toshakhana matters. He said PTI had moved petitions before the Supreme Court but argued that hearings were not taking place with the urgency the party expected.
The issue carries broader political significance because Imran Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most influential opposition figures despite being behind bars. Any claim about his medical condition quickly becomes a national talking point, shaping political mobilisation, social media debate and public pressure on institutions.
For Pakistan, the controversy may deepen divisions between the opposition, state institutions and the ruling setup at a time when the country is already dealing with economic strain and security challenges. PTI is likely to use the health claim to intensify its public campaign, while authorities may face renewed calls for transparency over Khan’s medical treatment and prison conditions.
The next phase will depend on whether the courts, prison officials or medical authorities issue a formal clarification regarding Imran Khan’s condition. PTI, meanwhile, has indicated that after exhausting legal options, it plans to take its case more aggressively to the public.