Imran Khan health update: Govt rejects vision loss claims, Naqvi blames political tactics

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the government ensured full medical care for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, while accusing the opposition of spreading exaggerated claims and politicising his eye condition.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said reports claiming that the PTI founder had lost 85 percent of his eyesight or completely lost vision in one eye were part of a propaganda campaign. He maintained that medical examinations were conducted by both government and private specialists and that opposition representatives and nominated doctors were briefed in detail.

He said the government remained in continuous contact with the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and had made it clear that any prisoner would be provided treatment strictly under the Constitution and the law.

Medical checks

According to Naqvi, an eye specialist examined Imran Khan in the afternoon and doctors remained on site for over an hour during the jail checkup at Adiala Jail. He said authorities selected leading public and private doctors and later arranged detailed briefings for opposition leaders at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

Naqvi stated that doctors nominated by the PTI were consulted by phone for around 45 minutes each and, according to him, termed the treatment appropriate. He added that several opposition leaders expressed satisfaction after the briefings and said they would convey this to their supporters.

He said an injection for the eye condition was administered at hospital as a precaution against infection, although doctors had indicated it could also be given inside the jail. A second injection is expected after about a month as part of the treatment plan.

Delay claims

The interior minister maintained that the medical examination was delayed for three days due to disagreements within the PTI camp, claiming most political leaders were ready to proceed but objections from Imran Khan’s sister led to postponement. He said the government had asked the party to nominate a non-political eye specialist, while the party instead insisted on including a family member in the process, which was also permitted.

Officials were also asked to shift Imran Khan to hospital for one week, Naqvi said, adding that hospitalisation could only take place on doctors’ written recommendation, and authorities were ready to move him even for two weeks if medically advised.

A medical report submitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan confirmed that Imran Khan is suffering from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition often linked with cardiovascular risk factors. The report noted he complained of around 85 per cent vision loss in his right eye.

Law and order

Naqvi also referred to ongoing protests and road blockades linked to the health controversy, saying attempts were made to disrupt security in Islamabad’s Red Zone. He said the government would implement a recent order of the Peshawar High Court directing authorities to restore traffic flow and maintain order.

He stressed that dialogue remained the preferred solution to political disputes but warned against what he described as repeated attempts to create instability. He added that thousands of prisoners are held in jails and questioned whether all receive the same level of facilities being highlighted in this case, offering to arrange media visits to prisons to review available services.

PTI, in response, criticised the minister’s remarks and voiced concern over custodial conditions, calling for greater transparency, independent medical oversight and regular family access.