New Delhi: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has intervened to ensure proper medical care for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan after reports indicated he has suffered an 85% loss of vision in his right eye. The court has directed authorities to form a medical team to examine and treat the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief, according to Dawn.
The court also appointed lawyer Salman Safdar as amicus curiae to visit Khan in jail and assess his health condition. This action follows concerns that the former premier’s repeated complaints about worsening eyesight since October, possibly caused by a blood clot, were not adequately addressed.
For over three months, Khan was reportedly given only eye drops, which failed to improve his condition. Requests for his personal doctors to examine him were denied, and regular blood tests were not conducted, leading to near-total vision loss in one eye. Medical experts warn that delayed diagnosis and treatment in such cases can cause permanent damage.
Legal experts emphasise that providing adequate medical care to prisoners is the state’s responsibility. The attorney general acknowledged in court that the government is duty-bound to ensure proper healthcare for inmates.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Khan’s status as a former prime minister and head of a major political party. Observers note that past political leaders, including Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, received hospitalisation or permission to travel abroad for treatment during imprisonment, and argue that similar standards should apply to Khan.
Analysts stress that political differences must not affect a prisoner’s right to healthcare, highlighting that every inmate is legally entitled to timely and adequate medical treatment.
With IANS inputs