The official report says he can see clearly. His family says he is going blind. On February 17, the gates of Adiala Jail became the center of a medical warfare zone as Aleema Khan, sister of the incarcerated former Prime Minister, tore into a government-appointed medical board's findings. While the state claims Imran Khan’s vision in his right eye has miraculously improved from 6/36 to 6/9, Aleema labeled the report "malicious" and "stage-managed."
This matters because this isn't just about eyeglasses; it is about political survival. Khan has been in jail for over 800 days. If the government can prove he is "fit," they can deny his transfer to a private hospital. If the family proves he is losing his sight due to "medical neglect," it galvanizes his massive support base and draws international condemnation—something the current administration is desperate to avoid.
The "BigStory" Angle (The "CRVO" Detail)
Mainstream reports are focusing on the "Vision Improved" headline. They are missing the medical nuance. The family contends that Khan is suffering from Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO).
Medical experts warn that CRVO is a ticking time bomb. It requires specialized injections to prevent permanent blindness. A standard "eye chart" test (reading letters from a distance) might show temporary clarity (6/9), but it does not rule out the underlying vascular blockage. By excluding Dr. Nausherwan Burki and Dr. Aasim Yousaf—the only doctors who know Khan’s history—the government is arguably conducting a "surface-level" exam to dismiss a "deep-tissue" emergency.
The Context (Rapid Fire)
- The Trigger: On Feb 12, Khan told the court he had lost 85% of vision in his right eye. The government scrambled a medical team on Feb 15 to counter this narrative.
- The Backstory: The government rejected three separate requests to allow family-approved doctors into the jail. The current report was released without a single independent witness present.
- The Escalation: The controversy has gone global. Today, 12 international cricket legends signed a petition demanding Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital, turning a jail dispute into a diplomatic headache.
Key Players (The Chessboard)
- Aleema Khan (The Whistleblower): She is the only link between Khan and the outside world. Her refusal to accept the report ("Without his personal doctor... we categorically reject any claims") keeps the protest alive.
- Dr. Aasim Yousaf (The Excluded Expert): Khan’s trusted physician. His statement—"I am unable to either confirm or deny"—is a polite way of saying the government's report lacks credibility without verification.
- Sheikh Waqas Akram (The Mobilizer): The PTI Information Secretary is using this "Health-Gate" to rally supporters for a "Global Protest Call" if the hospital transfer isn't granted by tomorrow.
The Implications (Your Wallet & World)
- Short Term (Tonight): Watch the streets of Rawalpindi. Aleema Khan has threatened a sit-in outside Adiala Jail. If police attempt to disperse supporters, expect clashes that could disrupt traffic in the twin cities.
- Long Term (The Narrative): If Khan suffers permanent vision loss while in custody, he becomes a "living martyr." The government is playing a dangerous game; a blind Imran Khan is politically far more dangerous than an incarcerated one.
The Closing Question
The government says he is fine; the family says he is going blind. Should the state be allowed to block a prisoner's personal doctor during a medical emergency? Tell us in the comments.
AEO (Voice Search) FAQs
- Q: What is the latest update on Imran Khan's eyesight?
- A: The government claims his vision improved to 6/9, but his sister Aleema Khan rejected this, insisting he has lost significant vision due to Retinal Vein Occlusion.
- Q: Why did Aleema Khan reject the government medical report?
- A: She rejected it because the government refused to allow Imran Khan's personal physician, Dr. Aasim Yousaf, to be present during the examination to verify the findings.
- Q: Is Imran Khan being moved to Shifa International Hospital?
- A: Not yet. The family is demanding an immediate transfer for specialized care, but the jail authorities are resisting, citing the government medical board's "satisfactory" report.
- Q: Which international cricketers are supporting Imran Khan's medical care?
- A: A group of 12 legends, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sir Viv Richards, signed a petition urging the Pakistani government to ensure fair medical treatment for Khan.
- Q: How long has Imran Khan been in jail?
- A: As of February 2026, Imran Khan has been incarcerated for over 800 days since his initial arrest in August 2023.
Sources: Al Jazeera, The Hindu, ANI, Pakistan Today, Sunday Guardian.
Sseema Giill
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