PTI leader alleges former prime minister facing health risks and restrictions in prison
ISLAMABAD – Salman Akram Raja on Wednesday claimed that jailed Imran Khan had lost vision in one eye due to alleged torture in prison and was facing serious health risks while in custody.
Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the PTI secretary general alleged that all avenues of justice appeared blocked for the former prime minister.
Raja claimed that Imran Khan had been imprisoned for nearly 1,000 days and was being denied basic constitutional and legal rights.
Imran Khan undergoing eye treatment
The allegations come days after Imran Khan reportedly received his fourth intravitreal eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on April 28 as part of ongoing medical treatment.
According to a report submitted before the Supreme Court by Khan’s lawyer and amicus curiae Salman Safdar, the PTI founder had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition.
Medical experts describe CRVO as a blockage in the main vein draining blood from the retina. The condition is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.
PTI alleges restrictions on meetings
During the media interaction, Raja further alleged that authorities were restricting meetings between Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
He claimed that even court orders regarding visitation rights were not being implemented.
“Signatures on vakalatnamas are being blocked, while only selected individuals are allowed to meet him,” Raja alleged.
He also claimed that Imran Khan’s sisters were not being allowed to meet him despite what he described as his deteriorating health condition.
Allegations regarding legal cases
Raja further alleged that Bushra Bibi was facing “false cases,” including Toshakhana-related references, which he claimed relied on statements from government witnesses.
The PTI leader said the party had filed petitions before the Supreme Court but hearings were not taking place.
“We have exhausted all legal avenues and will now take our case to the people of Pakistan,” he stated.
PTI criticizes broader political situation
Commenting on the political climate, Raja claimed the country needed stability, alleging that the economy had suffered severe damage while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained affected by violence.
He also criticized restrictions imposed on political activities and alleged weakening of the judiciary.
“There were no such restrictions even during the British era,” Raja said while alleging that judges were being transferred between provinces as punishment.
No immediate official response was issued regarding the allegations made by the PTI leader.