Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday directed authorities to form a medical board to examine former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who reported losing nearly 85% of vision in his right eye. The court stipulated that the examination must take place before February 16, according to Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Khan, 73, had a brief eye procedure at an Islamabad hospital in late January and was reportedly in good health. However, Khan’s family claimed they were not consulted before the procedure, raising concerns about the timing and adequacy of medical care.

Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, told the Supreme Court that the former premier’s vision had been normal months ago but began deteriorating persistently. A specialist allegedly diagnosed a damaging blood clot, leaving him with only 15% vision in his right eye due to delayed treatment.

Also Read: Supreme Court Demands Ahmedabad Crash Probe Update in 3 Weeks

PTI condemned the treatment, demanding immediate access for Khan to his personal physicians, specialized eye care, and hospital transfer. The party also threatened legal action to ensure proper medical attention and oversight for the imprisoned leader.

Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, said prison authorities ignored repeated complaints about blurred vision for three months, only acting when his condition worsened in late January. She argued that the delay contributed to the severity of his current vision loss.

Despite being removed from office in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, Khan remains a highly influential political figure in Pakistan. He has repeatedly alleged a U.S.-backed conspiracy behind his ouster, claims denied by Washington, Pakistan’s military, and political rivals, adding further tension to his ongoing incarceration.

Also Read: Supreme Court Says Centre Reading Too Much Into Sonam Wangchuk's Speeches