Debate Over Imran Khan’s Eyesight: Family Rejects Government Board Report

International Desk, PNN

The family of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has rejected the claim made by the government’s medical board that his eyesight has improved compared to before. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan said that no treatment or medical examination is acceptable without the family’s permission.

A court report last week stated that Khan had lost most of the vision in one of his eyes. However, a two-member medical board appointed by the government said that the vision in Khan’s right eye has improved from 6/36 to 6/9. The vision in his left eye is 6/6 when using glasses.

Aleema Khan said, “We do not accept any claims made by the government without the presence of Khan’s personal physician and a family representative. This is extremely concerning and unacceptable.” She further alleged that the family has repeatedly been provided with incorrect information.

Asim Yusuf, the chief physician of Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Khan’s personal doctor, said in a video message that the two doctors who examined Khan on February 15 informed him about his treatment and future plans. However, since Yusuf himself was unable to meet Khan, he could not confirm the authenticity of the report.

The family has demanded that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and that his treatment be conducted in the presence of family-appointed doctors. They stated that Khan does not suffer from any long-term illness and that he is a political prisoner.

PTI leaders have already begun protests outside the parliament building and have announced that they will go on a hunger strike demanding safe and specialist medical treatment for Khan.

From the government’s side, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that Khan’s treatment has been carried out entirely in accordance with official guidelines and with full transparency. They said the medical board is satisfied and that allegations of negligence are baseless.

Imran Khan, a former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, became Prime Minister in 2018 and resigned in 2022 following a vote of no confidence in parliament. He has alleged that Pakistan’s military and political rivals are behind his political and legal troubles.

As a result, the issue of Khan’s eyesight and medical treatment remains controversial and unresolved without an agreement between the family and the government.