POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Thursday accused the state of committing a “crime” against incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan after the Supreme Court (SC) was informed that only 15 per cent vision remained in his right eye.
The development emerged in a report submitted to the apex court by PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar, who quoted the PTI founder as stating that he had been left with only 15pc eyesight in his right eye.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court alongside Imran’s sister Aleema Khanum and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Raja alleged serious negligence in the former premier’s medical care.
“A crime has been committed against Imran Khan, and this state has committed this crime,” Raja said, naming former Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum as responsible. He vowed immediate legal proceedings against Anjum, who was replaced on January 16.
Allegations of Delayed Treatment
According to Raja, Imran began experiencing pain in his eye in November, eventually losing vision in December. Despite repeated complaints, he was allegedly treated only with basic eye drops and was not referred to a specialist in a timely manner.
“When the situation worsened, the jail superintendent was replaced. Even then, 10 more days passed before a doctor from PIMS was called on January 26,” Raja claimed.
Following examination, the ailment was described in the report as “occlusion of the retina.” Imran was subsequently taken to PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, where he received treatment, including an injection. After medical intervention, he reportedly regained limited vision — approximately 10 to 15 per cent — enabling him to detect light but not fully restore sight.
Raja termed the situation “painful and terrifying” and demanded that Imran be examined by doctors trusted by his family and party.
PTI Demands Independent Medical Access
In an official statement, PTI expressed “profound concern and deep anguish” over the former prime minister’s health, alleging that jail authorities had restricted his treatment to basic medication while denying access to personal physicians.
“This constitutes a grave and inexcusable act of negligence. It is not merely a medical lapse; it amounts to playing with his life and health,” the party stated.
The PTI demanded immediate transfer to a reputable hospital recommended by his medical team for specialised eye treatment and called for unrestricted access to legal counsel and family members. The party also urged international human rights organisations to take notice, arguing that the situation raised concerns under the UN Convention Against Torture and the Nelson Mandela Rules governing prisoner treatment.
“A former elected prime minister facing prolonged solitary confinement, restricted medical facilities, and impediments to family and legal contact raises serious human rights concerns,” the party said.
Political Reactions Intensify
Several PTI leaders echoed Raja’s remarks. Hammad Azhar described the situation as “inhumane treatment,” while opposition ally Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar termed the alleged denial of prompt medical care “cruel, degrading and inhumane treatment.”
Moonis Elahi and other party figures warned that those responsible would be held accountable.
Raja further alleged that the Islamabad High Court had delayed hearings in Imran’s cases and demanded that all pending matters be fixed immediately. “There is no reason left to keep Imran Khan behind bars. Freedom is his right now,” he said.
The Supreme Court has reportedly issued directives regarding the formation of a medical team and contact with Imran’s sons. However, PTI has criticised restrictions on family presence during medical examinations and called for full transparency.
As the matter unfolds in court, the controversy has added a new dimension to the already charged political climate, with PTI framing the issue as both a legal battle and a human rights concern.