The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has delivered a pivotal ruling regarding the health of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. While the court prioritized his “right to life,” it ultimately left the decision of a hospital transfer in the hands of the Islamabad Chief Commissioner, following an evaluation by a newly constituted medical board.
The New Medical Board
A division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed the Chief Commissioner to form a board immediately.
- Members: The board must include Dr. Muhammad Arif (Head of Ophthalmology, PIMS) and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi (Retina Specialist, Al-Shifa Trust).
- Mandate: The board will examine Khan’s eye condition and submit recommendations. The Chief Commissioner will then decide—based on prison rules—if a transfer to an external hospital is legally required.
The Islamabad High Court has rejected the request for Imran Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa Hospital. Instead, it ordered the Chief Commissioner to form a medical board, whose report will decide whether he is moved out of jail for treatment. Despite serious concerns, the court… pic.twitter.com/l0VvCciSAj
— PTI Canada Official (@PTIOfficialCA) March 12, 2026
“15% Vision Remaining”: The Defense Argument
The hearing was marked by intense arguments over the severity of Khan’s condition, which has been a point of contention since October 2025.
- Delayed Care: Advocate Latif Khosa alleged the government kept Khan’s deteriorating condition a “secret” for five days before moving him to PIMS.
- The Diagnosis: Khan is suffering from Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). The defense claims that routine treatment in jail has failed, leading to a critical loss of sight.
- The Nawaz Precedent: Khosa pointed out that the current administration had previously allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for treatment, arguing for similar fundamental rights for his client.
Government Stance: “Conditions are Improving”
The Advocate General (AG) defended the state’s care, citing a report from the Adiala Jail Superintendent.
- Report Findings: The AG claimed Khan has actually shown improvement since his previous medical visits, with vision reportedly measured at 6/9 (partial) with glasses in the right eye.
- Responsibility: When questioned by the court if the state would take “full responsibility” if Khan’s health worsened, the AG responded affirmatively.
PTI Response: Challenge in the Supreme Court
The PTI leadership and Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, have rejected the IHC verdict, labeling it “extremely regrettable.”
- Secrecy Allegations: The party continues to protest the “secrecy” of Khan’s medical procedures at PIMS and the exclusion of his personal physicians from the medical boards.
- Next Legal Step: PTI has announced its decision to challenge the IHC verdict in the Supreme Court (SC), demanding that Khan be examined at Shifa International Hospital by his own trusted doctors.
“Life is the top priority; any loss would be irreparable. The authorities must act strictly in accordance with the Prison Rules.” — Islamabad High Court Verdict.
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Timeline of Imran Khan’s Eye Ailment
- October 2025: Initial complaints of blurred vision begin.
- January 2024: Eye ailment (CRVO) officially comes to light.
- February 12, 2026: SC orders a medical team after reports of 15% vision loss.
- February 24, 2026: Khan receives a second anti-VEGF injection at PIMS.
- March 12, 2026: IHC orders new medical board but rejects Shifa transfer.
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