Islamabad, February 15, 2026 – Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly been left with only 15% vision in his right eye following a serious medical condition diagnosed while he was detained in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The revelation, detailed in a report submitted to Pakistan’s Supreme Court, has intensified debates over his health, prison conditions, and access to timely medical care.
According to Barrister Salman Safdar, a lawyer appointed by the Supreme Court as amicus curiae (friend of the court), Khan experienced normal vision (6/6) in both eyes until around October 2025. He began complaining of persistent blurred and hazy vision, which he repeatedly reported to prison authorities. These complaints were allegedly ignored for several months, leading to a sudden and significant deterioration. Khan described suffering what felt like a complete loss of vision in his right eye.
A medical report dated February 6, 2026, diagnosed the condition as right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), commonly referred to as an “eye stroke.” This occurs when a blood clot blocks the central retinal vein, causing severe damage to the retina and potentially leading to permanent vision impairment if not treated promptly. Despite eventual treatment, including an injection, Khan’s lawyer quoted him as stating that he has been left with only 15% vision in the affected eye—equating to an 85% loss.
Safdar met with Khan for two hours on February 10, 2026, and inspected his detention facility before submitting a seven-page report. The document highlighted not only the vision issue but also broader concerns about Khan’s prolonged solitary confinement, restricted access to family and legal counsel, and overall conditions in custody.
In response, Pakistan’s Supreme Court acted swiftly. On February 12, 2026, a bench including Chief Justice Yahya Afridi directed the government to form a medical team for a comprehensive eye examination of Khan. The court set a deadline of February 16, 2026, for the assessment to be completed. It also ordered that Khan be allowed telephone contact with his two sons, who reside in the United Kingdom.
Following the court’s directive, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that Khan would receive specialized treatment at a medical facility under the care of leading eye specialists. Some reports indicated he may be shifted from prison for further care, though details on the exact arrangements and outcomes remain limited.
Khan’s family, supporters from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, and international observers have expressed alarm over what they describe as medical neglect during his imprisonment, which began in 2023 following convictions in multiple cases. The vision loss has added to existing concerns about his well-being and human rights in detention.
CRVO is a recognized medical emergency in ophthalmology, where early intervention is crucial to minimize irreversible damage. The delay in addressing Khan’s initial symptoms has raised questions about prison healthcare protocols.
As the February 16 deadline approaches, the situation continues to draw attention from domestic and global media, with calls for transparent, independent medical oversight. Updates on Khan’s condition and any further court proceedings are expected in the coming days.
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