A government-appointed medical board reported on Sunday, February 15, 2026, that former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s eyesight has shown “significant improvement” following specialized treatment at Adiala Jail. However, the report has sparked a fierce debate between state officials and independent medical experts, with the latter warning that Khan has suffered a life-threatening “eye stroke.”
The Official Medical Board Findings
The assessment was conducted by senior ophthalmologists Dr. Nadeem Qureshi and Dr. Arif Khan after a detailed examination in prison.
| Vision Test | Unaided | With Glasses |
| Right Eye | 6/24 (Partial) | 6/9 (Partial) |
| Left Eye | 6/9 | 6/6 (Normal) |
- Clinical Details: The board noted that macular swelling in the right eye has reduced from 550 to 350 microns. While mild hemorrhaging remains, the board concluded that transfer to a hospital is not currently recommended.
- Next Steps: The report suggests specialized imaging (OCT and Fundus Angiography) once the current phase of anti-VEGF therapy is complete.
The Expert Warning: “A Vascular Emergency”
Former Additional Attorney General Tariq Mahmood Khokhar and other legal-medical analysts have challenged the government’s optimistic tone. They argue the clinical symptoms described—moderate retinal hemorrhage and cotton wool spots—confirm a Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), commonly known as an “eye stroke.”
“CRAO is not just an eye problem; it is a vascular emergency. It indicates a high risk of clots entering the brain or heart. Treating this in a jail cell is criminally reckless.” — Tariq Mahmood Khokhar
Key Risks Associated with CRAO:
- Cerebral Stroke: Clots moving to the brain.
- Myocardial Infarction: High risk of heart attack.
- Irreversible Blindness: Permanent vision loss if systemic evaluation is delayed.
‘He must be respected’: Ganguly joins Gavaskar, Kapil in appeal for Imran Khan’s fair treatment
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— WION (@WIONews) February 18, 2026
Political Reaction & Trust Deficit
The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP) and PTI leadership have rejected the report, citing a lack of transparency.
- The “Secrecy” Clause: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Aleema Khan have stated they have “zero trust” in findings produced without the physical presence of Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Aasim Yusuf.
- The 15% Claim: PTI lawyers maintain that despite the “6/9” reading with glasses, the actual functional vision in Khan’s right eye remains at roughly 15%, a claim the government medical board denies.
- Internal Friction: A segment of the PTI is reportedly unhappy with Barrister Gohar for even attending a briefing at PIMS, arguing that the leadership should have demanded a hospital transfer before accepting any state-led briefing.
PHC Intervention: Roads Ordered Open
While the health debate rages, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday ordered the immediate reopening of all roads blocked by PTI protesters.
- The Order: Justice Ijaz Anwar directed the KP Police to clear highways, noting that “the entire country is open, but KP is shut.”
- Compliance: As of Wednesday, February 18, major routes in D.I. Khan and Abbottabad have reopened, though the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1) remains tense at the Swabi interchange.
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