ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Monday that doctors are satisfied with the medical care being provided to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, particularly regarding his eye condition.
Speaking at a lawyers’ event in Ferozewala, the minister stated that the former prime minister recently underwent another detailed examination. According to him, one of Khan’s eyes retains nearly 70% vision with the help of glasses, while the other eye has normal 6/6 eyesight. He dismissed concerns surrounding the reported “35/25” measurement, saying the medical team had already briefed opposition figures as well as Khan’s personal doctors.
The minister’s comments follow increased political debate after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan confirmed that Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye disorder. The report was presented by his lawyer and court-appointed amicus curiae, Salman Safdar.
CRVO is typically linked to advancing age and health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels and heart disease. The findings noted that Khan — who has been incarcerated since August 2023 — had reported losing nearly 85% of vision in his right eye.
Following disclosure of the medical report, PTI leaders and members of Khan’s family voiced serious concern over his health and called for his immediate transfer to a hospital.
Sources earlier informed Geo News that a five-member panel of senior physicians conducted an hour-long examination of the former premier. After the assessment, they observed a noticeable reduction in pain in his right eye and expressed optimism that continued treatment would bring further improvement. The complete medical report has been submitted to the relevant authorities in line with a deadline set by the apex court for February 16.
Separately, medical experts from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Al-Shifa International Hospital also evaluated Khan and reportedly expressed satisfaction with his recovery, noting visible progress in his eyesight.
Jail officials have sent his full medical record — including blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood sugar readings — to the Punjab Home Department.
Meanwhile, political developments surrounding the issue continue. Sources said Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), has called a meeting of MNAs and senators at Parliament House to deliberate on a potential protest strategy.
At the same Ferozewala ceremony, Tarar congratulated Bar president Waris Ali Bhatti and the newly elected cabinet on their success, describing it as historic. He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the legal community, noting that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment many fiscal responsibilities were shifted to provincial governments. He pledged that the federal government, in coordination with Punjab authorities, would work to address funding concerns.
The minister also announced a grant of Rs10 million for the Ferozewala Bar to assist lawyers.
Addressing the issue of road blockades, Tarar termed the closure of motorways and the Grand Trunk Road unconstitutional and unlawful. He voiced hope that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would refrain from officially blocking highways, warning that any violation of constitutional provisions could prompt federal intervention.
He emphasized that it was the duty of PTI’s senior leadership, particularly Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, to ensure the provincial administration acts within constitutional limits.
Referring to Article 15, Tarar underlined that citizens’ freedom of movement cannot be curtailed, stressing that every Pakistani has the right to travel freely across the country and that shutting down major highways at the official level constitutes a breach of the Constitutionn.