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Pakistani doctors report improvement in imprisoned former PM Imran Khan’s eyesight, personal physician unable to verify
A medical team examining former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has reported an improvement in his eyesight, according to his personal physician, Dr. Aasim Yusuf. However, Yusuf remains cautious about these findings as authorities continue to deny him direct access to the imprisoned political leader.
The assessment follows an examination conducted Sunday by eye specialists at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been detained since 2023. The medical visit was mandated by Pakistan’s Supreme Court after concerns about Khan’s deteriorating vision emerged earlier this year.
“Unfortunately, because I have not seen him myself and have not been able to participate in his care or speak with him, I am unable to either confirm or deny the veracity of what we have been told,” Yusuf said in a video message posted on social media platform X. He advocated for any further treatment to be conducted at a hospital in Islamabad rather than within the prison facility.
Cabinet Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry offered a more positive assessment, stating on Monday that “no major complications have emerged” following a detailed examination of Khan’s eyes. This contradicts earlier reports from Khan’s legal team that had raised serious concerns about his condition.
The controversy surrounding Khan’s eyesight began in late January when he underwent an eye procedure at an Islamabad hospital after complaining of partial vision loss. Following the treatment, his lawyer, Salman Safdar, informed the Supreme Court that Khan had lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye.
This alarming report mobilized supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who have staged protests in Islamabad and other major cities demanding the 73-year-old former cricket star be transferred to a hospital for proper medical care. Some PTI lawmakers and political allies have maintained a continuous sit-in outside parliament since last week.
Khan’s health has become a focal point in Pakistan’s already tense political landscape. Once a celebrated cricket captain who led Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992, Khan transitioned to politics and eventually became prime minister in 2018, promising to tackle corruption and revitalize Pakistan’s struggling economy.
His tenure was cut short in April 2022 when he was removed from office through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Khan has repeatedly claimed that his ouster resulted from a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving his political rivals and Pakistan’s influential military establishment – allegations denied by Washington, Pakistan’s military, and his political opponents, including current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges and being imprisoned on corruption charges since 2023, Khan remains a powerful political figure with a substantial support base across the country. His PTI party performed surprisingly well in February’s general election despite facing significant obstacles, including Khan’s inability to campaign from prison.
Political analysts view the controversy over Khan’s health as part of the broader power struggle that has dominated Pakistan’s politics since his removal from office. The government’s handling of his medical care has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who have called for transparency and proper medical access.
As the situation develops, international observers continue to monitor the treatment of the former prime minister, with many expressing concern about the potential for further political instability in the nuclear-armed nation that has experienced numerous periods of military rule throughout its 77-year history.
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6 Comments
I hope Khan’s vision issues can be properly assessed and treated, regardless of his political status. Maintaining good health should be a priority, even for detained individuals. The conflicting accounts raise questions about the reliability of the information.
It’s concerning that Khan’s personal doctor has been denied direct access to evaluate his condition. Impartial medical care should be a basic right, even for detained individuals. I hope this situation can be resolved through open and fair procedures.
This situation highlights the need for impartial medical evaluation and treatment, especially for high-profile detainees. I hope Khan’s physician is granted full access to assess his condition and provide appropriate care.
The discrepancy between the reports on Khan’s eyesight is puzzling. Unbiased and thorough medical assessments should be the priority, not political posturing. Transparency and access to healthcare are fundamental rights that must be upheld.
The disagreement between Khan’s doctor and government officials on the details of his medical condition is concerning. Ensuring transparent and independent access to healthcare for all prisoners is important, regardless of their political affiliations.
Interesting development on Imran Khan’s eyesight. It’s concerning that his personal physician hasn’t been able to verify the reported improvements directly. Transparency and access to medical care seem crucial in such high-profile cases.