The Supreme Court of Pakistan took decisive action on Thursday, February 12, 2026, ordering the immediate formation of a medical board to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The ruling followed a harrowing report submitted by his lawyer, Salman Safdar, which revealed that the PTI founder has lost approximately 85% of the vision in his right eye.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, emphasized that the state is responsible for the health of its prisoners and declared that "intervention was necessary" given the gravity of the medical findings.
The Medical Crisis: 15% Vision Remaining
According to the seven-page report submitted by Salman Safdar (who was appointed as amicus curiae), the vision loss was not sudden but the result of months of alleged neglect.
Under Punjab government’s supervision in Adiala Jail during Abdul Ghafoor Anjum’s tenure, medical negligence amounting to “medical terrorism” was committed against Imran Khan’s eye. There is no trust in the official report claiming his vision has been reduced to 10–15%. His… pic.twitter.com/vNMFwSo4EL
— PTI Canada Official (@PTIOfficialCA) February 12, 2026
| Timeline | Medical Development |
| October 2025 | Imran Khan reportedly had normal 6/6 vision in both eyes. |
| Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 | Khan repeatedly complained of blurred and hazy vision; jail staff reportedly only provided eye drops. |
| January 24, 2026 | Rushed to PIMS Hospital at night for an emergency procedure (an anti-VEGF injection). |
| February 10, 2026 | Lawyer observes Khan’s eyes are "watery and physical discomfort is visible." |
| Current Status | Diagnosed with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (a blood clot); only 15% vision remains. |
Her only brother, a prince in every way, suffering in jail, losing his vision, as neither him is ready to take a deal nor the nation is ready to act, what else can that poor sister do but cry?pic.twitter.com/2Y6DvauFGX
— Samra's soul(804) is in Adiala jail (@IKWillReturn) February 12, 2026
Supreme Court’s Mandatory Directives
The apex court has set a strict deadline of Monday, February 16, 2026, for the following actions:
- Specialist Medical Board: The government must form a team of expert ophthalmologists to conduct a comprehensive exam and determine if the damage is irreversible.
- Access to Personal Doctors: For the first time in months, Khan is permitted to be examined by his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yusuf, within Adiala Jail.
- Family Communication: The court ordered jail authorities to facilitate a telephone call between the former Prime Minister and his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, who reside in the UK.
- Reading Material: The Attorney General will consult doctors to provide books that do not strain Khan’s damaged eyesight.
The Report on Jail Conditions
Beyond the medical crisis, Safdar’s report provided a rare glimpse into Khan’s daily life in solitary confinement:
- The Cell: A modest room with a prayer mat, basic furniture, and a television that does not work.
- Environment: In the summer, the cell becomes "hot and humid," leading to frequent bouts of food poisoning (2–3 times) and issues with insects/mosquitoes.
- Fitness: Despite his age (73), Khan maintains a strict regime with two 9kg dumbbells, a bar, and an exercise bike.
- Social Isolation: Safdar noted that Khan appeared "visibly perturbed" by the lack of human contact and the delayed medical intervention.
The Government’s Stance
While Information Minister Attaullah Tarar previously insisted that Khan was "fine and healthy" after his January procedure, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan conceded in court that it is the state’s duty to ensure a prisoner's satisfaction with their medical care
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