Doctors have diagnosed the 73-year-old former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye following medical examinations conducted on the 16th, 19th, and 21st of January at PIMS Hospital, Islamabad.

According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party members, CRVO is a serious and potentially vision-threatening condition. They warn that if proper treatment is not provided in a timely manner, Mr. Khan could completely lose his eyesight in the affected eye. PTI leaders have stressed that treatment within a prison cell is both impossible and dangerous and are demanding that Imran Khan be transferred to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital for appropriate medical care, including specialized injections or laser therapy.

In response to growing concerns, supporters rallied outside Adiala Jail, led by Mr. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum. Shaukat Khanum Hospital has also issued a statement expressing grave concern over the situation and has formally requested access to participate in his medical care. The hospital stated that while it cannot independently verify the diagnosis, reports suggest that Mr. Imran Khan may indeed be suffering from central retinal vein occlusion. The statement emphasized the urgency of the matter and called for immediate permission for a Shaukat Khanum medical team to assess and assist in his treatment, noting that no response has been received from the authorities so far.

Aleema Khanum announced that on January 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM, supporters will gather at the first roadblock leading to Adiala Jail. She stated that a Khatam of Ayat-e-Kareema along with Quran recitation will be held, and urged people to join in prayer, expressing hope for her brother’s recovery, Insha’Allah.

PTI officials have also revealed that Imran Khan has now spent over 100 days without any contact with his legal team. They allege that he has been denied access to his defense lawyers, is being held in solitary confinement, and has not seen or communicated with any visitors for nearly three months.

As the situation unfolds, important questions persist. Will independent medical specialists be granted access to assess and treat Imran Khan, and will due legal process be ensured through regular contact with his legal team? The answers to these questions remain awaited.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)