Pakistan is witnessing renewed concern over former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health after his son, Kasim Khan, revealed that the jailed leader is suffering from a serious eye condition that could cause permanent vision loss if not treated. Khan has been in prison since August 5, 2023.
Kasim Khan stated on X that his father has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a condition that restricts blood flow from the retina and can lead to irreversible blindness without proper medical care.
My father, Imran Khan, has now spent over 900 days in a death cell with no family visits and no access to his personal doctors. Credible reports confirm he has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that can lead to permanent vision loss if not… pic.twitter.com/MqLjiTeuPD
— Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) January 29, 2026
Protests Outside Adiala Jail
The news triggered protests outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, lasting from 7 pm to 3 am (Pakistan time). Imran Khan personal doctors, senior PTI leaders, thousands of party workers, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi demanded immediate access to examine him. Jail authorities, however, refused, leading to a sit-in by doctors and political figures.
Doctors Warn of Severe Risks
Dr Mohammad Asim Yusuf, Khan’s long-time physician, said he has been denied access since November 2024, and during their last meeting, Khan showed no signs of eye issues. Renowned eye specialist Dr Khurram Azzam Mirza, who has treated Imran Khan previously, explained that CRVO now requires targeted injections rather than surgery. He warned that delays could result in complications like internal eye bleeding, glaucoma, and cataracts. CRVO is often linked to high blood pressure and stress, but no conclusions can be drawn without full medical reports. Proper treatment requires a hospital, which is unavailable inside the jail.
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Secret Medical Visit
It later emerged that on January 24, Khan was quietly taken from Adiala Jail to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for about 20 minutes for a minor eye procedure, carried out with his written consent. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that Imran Khan is now “fine.” Critics questioned why the procedure was conducted secretly and why independent doctors or family were barred from attending.
Restrictions and Political Fallout
Khan has spent 909 days in prison and has been denied family visits since December 4, after he conveyed a political message through his sister, Dr Uzma Khanum, accusing Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Asim Munir, of being responsible for terrorism. The government claims these messages violated jail rules.
In response, Imran Khan sister Aleema Khanum has called for a nationwide shutdown on February 8, urging citizens to stay home and close businesses, insisting peaceful resistance will continue until justice is delivered.