Imran Khan’s sons have sounded alarms about their father’s condition behind bars, voicing fears over serious health decline and limited access to his legal and medical team. The former Pakistani prime minister, a central figure in ongoing political turbulence, is being held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023—amid charges he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party maintain are politically motivated.
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## Health concerns escalate over eyesight loss
Legal filings submitted this year revealed that Imran Khan, age 73, is suffering from a medical condition known as right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), which has severely affected his vision. His family claims he now has approximately 15% vision remaining in that eye.
Court records indicate that prison authorities conducted an examination in Central Jail, Rawalpindi, without the presence of his family members, private physicians, or legal representatives. The filings argue that essential medical intervention was delayed, resulting in substantial loss of vision.
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## Restricted access and mounting legal pressure
The inability of Imran Khan’s sons to meet with him has intensified their worries. They have been separated from their father for more than two years, with visa requests to travel to Pakistan repeatedly rejected.
Their legal team and family members have also repeatedly sought permission for his personal doctors—Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yousaf—to examine him and oversee his treatment. These requests remain unmet under current prison policies.
Supreme Court orders issued in February 2026 directed the formation of a medical board to evaluate Khan’s condition. Additionally, the court called for full access to medical facilities, and for Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for specialized treatment.
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## What family says vs. what authorities report
Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, based in London with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, have expressed frustration at what they say are conflicting reports from authorities. They question the accuracy of medical bulletins, citing a one-sided examination process and demanding transparency.
In contrast, prison officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have stated that Imran Khan is in “good health.” They also claim they are unaware of any plans to move him to a higher-security facility and deny allegations of neglect.
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## Legal developments and public reaction
PTI submitted a petition to the Islamabad High Court in March 2026, seeking the ex-premier’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital and formal involvement of his personal doctors. The application emphasized that his health condition and medical examination reports have not been shared with his legal counsel or family.
The Supreme Court’s order dated February 12, 2026, directed authorities to respond to the petitioners’ concerns and advised them to approach the higher courts.
Supporters and human rights groups have voiced alarm, citing reports that his detention condition may violate fundamental human rights. Allegations include prolonged solitary confinement, denied communications with family and lawyers, and lack of access to medical care.
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## Context and timeline
– Khan has been jailed since **August 2023**, following his ouster via a no-confidence vote in 2022.
– He has faced convictions in multiple cases, including corruption and the Toshakhana case (state gifts), many of which have been appealed or partially overturned.
– His eye condition was publicly disclosed in **late January 2026**, triggering renewed concern over his medical treatment in prison.
– Legal pleas in early 2026 sought urgent reassignment to hospital care and access for his personal doctors.
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## International scrutiny and future questions
This case has drawn attention beyond Pakistan, with domestic observers, international human rights bodies, and legal analysts raising concerns. Issues include:
– Whether his detention conditions meet international standards for prisoners’ rights
– If legal due process is being respected in access to medical care and family visits
– How judicial orders for hospital transfers and medical oversight will be enforced
Imran Khan’s family and PTI assert that these represent urgent civil rights issues. Authorities, meanwhile, maintain that medical procedures are ongoing and that Khan’s health is being managed appropriately.
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Imran Khan’s deteriorating eyesight, restricted contact with his family and legal team, and delayed medical interventions have put his custodial wellbeing at center stage of a larger conversation about human rights, judicial integrity, and political accountability in Pakistan.
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