Government Announces Specialized Treatment for Imprisoned Ex-PM Imran Khan

Pakistan’s government has decided to arrange further medical examination and treatment for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan at a specialized facility, following reports of significant vision loss in his right eye and mounting pressure from opposition protests and Supreme Court directives.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on social media platform X that, in continuation of Khan’s ongoing eye treatment, which began after he reported issues in late January, additional checkups and care would be conducted by leading eye specialists at a specialized medical institution. A detailed report on the proceedings will be submitted to the Supreme Court.

The announcement comes days after the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a medical board to evaluate Khan’s condition before February 16, 2026.

Khan was previously taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a brief 20-minute procedure in late January, but his family and party have claimed insufficient specialist involvement and lack of consultation.

Opposition leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allies have intensified demands for his immediate transfer to a private facility such as Shifa International Hospital, where his personal doctors could participate. A sit-in protest outside Parliament House in Islamabad entered its second day on Saturday, with demonstrators calling for unrestricted access to family and specialists.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Khan’s sister Aleema Khan emphasized the need for urgent, transparent treatment under trusted physicians, rejecting government-led panels as inadequate. Aleema Khan noted that Khan had spoken to his sons for about 20 minutes following a Supreme Court directive.

Government officials, including Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, have disputed claims of prolonged neglect, stating that the first formal complaint surfaced in mid-January, after which initial steps were taken. Authorities have indicated openness to involving private specialists if required, while stressing no negligence in care.

Further updates are expected as the medical evaluation proceeds and the Supreme Court’s deadline approaches. Khan remains convicted in multiple cases and continues to serve his sentence.