Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis urge urgent care for Imran Khan; ex-Pak PM may be shifted to hospital

Akram, a key member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team under Khan’s captaincy, is among several cricketing figures who have publicly expressed concern.

• Wasim Akram urges urgent medical care for Imran Khan's eye issue
• Court orders full medical exam after Khan's right eye vision loss
• Khan may be moved to Islamabad hospital for specialist care

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Wasim Akram has urged Pakistani authorities to ensure that former prime minister Imran Khan receives urgent and comprehensive medical care after reports suggested he has lost most of the vision in his right eye.

"It is heartbreaking to hear our skipper Imran Khan going through health issues," Akram wrote on X, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "I sincerely hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care. Wishing him strength, a speedy recovery, and a full return to good health," he noted.

Akram, a key member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team under Khan’s captaincy, is among several cricketing figures who have publicly expressed concern.

Waqar Younis also appealed for immediate treatment, saying, "Putting politics aside, our national hero who gave us our greatest glory on the sporting field… is suffering a health emergency and requires urgent treatment. I humbly request the related authorities he gets the appropriate treatment in a timely manner."

Khan, 73, has been in custody since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases, which he and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), describe as politically motivated.

His health condition has come under judicial scrutiny.

According to Dawn, Geo News and other Pakistani media outlets, the Supreme Court recently reviewed a medical report submitted by Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed amicus curiae, following a visit to Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. The report stated that Khan retains only 15% vision in his right eye and has recommended an urgent specialist ophthalmological assessment.

The court directed the Pakistan government to conduct a full medical examination, stating that the health of a prisoner is the responsibility of the state. Chief Justice Afridi also instructed authorities to facilitate telephone contact between Khan and his sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, and to allow access to his personal doctors.

According to the medical report cited in court, Khan had normal 6/6 vision in both eyes as recently as October 2025. He later complained of persistent blurred and hazy vision, culminating in near-total loss of sight in the right eye. An ophthalmologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) reportedly diagnosed a blood clot that caused severe damage.

Despite treatment, only partial vision has been restored.

Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, has alleged on X that his father’s condition was the result of "922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect (denied blood tests) and the deliberate denial of proper treatment in jail."

The government has, however, denied allegations of neglect, with jail authorities stating that Khan has received medical care in accordance with prison regulations.

Amid mounting political pressure, senior officials told CNN-News18 that a comprehensive medical board comprising both government and private practitioners is likely to be constituted to assess Khan’s overall health. Consultations are reportedly underway with the federal government, PTI leadership, Khan’s family and legal counsel over the board’s composition and treatment location.

As per sources cited in the CNN-News18 report, Khan could be shifted from Adiala Jail to a hospital in Islamabad for specialised eye treatment. Facilities under consideration include Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, PIMS and the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital. PTI leaders have demanded that he be treated at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal doctors.

Outside Parliament House, opposition lawmakers staged a sit-in, calling for transparency and immediate specialist care. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed that he was recently allowed to speak to his sons by phone for about 20 minutes following court directions, describing him as “extremely happy” to hear their voices after a long gap.