The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday reiterated concerns over the health of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan, criticising what it described as the government’s “silence and lack of clarity” on the matter.

The former prime minister’s family and party have been raising alarms since his eye ailment — right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) — became public in late January.

In a statement posted on X, the PTI expressed “profound concern over the growing anxiety spreading among the nation regarding” Imran’s health.

“Any ambiguity surrounding the health of a leader who commands the confidence of millions is unacceptable. The government’s silence and lack of clarity have only intensified public unease rather than alleviating it,” the party said.

Calling the issue a matter beyond politics, the PTI stated: “This is not merely a political matter; it is a test of national trust, human rights, and the government’s responsibility.”

The party maintained that “any uncertainty regarding his health and safety is intolerable” and argued that if there was nothing to conceal, there should be no reason for “delaying full transparency”.

Demand for Independent Medical Access

The PTI once again demanded that Imran’s personal physicians be granted “immediate and unrestricted access” to conduct comprehensive medical examinations, including blood tests and other diagnostic procedures.

“Should any scans or specialised evaluations be needed, he must be permitted to be taken to a hospital or diagnostic centre of their choosing,” the party said.

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide the nation with clear, verified, and unambiguous medical facts,” the statement added, insisting that “a significant amount of time has already been wasted” and that further delay would not be acceptable.

In recent weeks, family members and senior party leaders have repeatedly attempted to meet Imran at Adiala jail, but most visits have reportedly been denied by authorities.

Medical Reports and Legal Developments

On February 10, the Supreme Court allowed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to meet Imran. Following the meeting, Safdar said the former premier told him he had “15 per cent” vision left in his right eye.

Earlier, it had emerged that Imran underwent a medical procedure on the night of January 24, a development confirmed days later amid concerns expressed by family members.

A medical board formed by the government visited Imran on February 15. According to its report, unaided vision in his right eye was recorded at 6/24 partial and 6/9 in the left eye. With corrective glasses, the vision improved to 6/9 partial in the right eye and 6/6 in the left.

The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), which staged a six-day sit-in outside Parliament House over Imran’s health, has also reiterated demands for “complete and confidential access” for his personal physicians, Dr Aasim Yusuf and Dr Faisal Sultan.

Both doctors have previously stated that the former premier requires a comprehensive medical examination, which they say could be conducted at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Son Thanks Former Cricket Captains

Meanwhile, Imran’s son Kasim expressed gratitude to former international cricket captains who issued a humanitarian appeal for better prison treatment for his father.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all the Test captains who’ve called for fair treatment for my father. It’s heartening to see support from these legends of the game,” Kasim wrote on X.

The message followed an article by former England captain Mike Atherton in The Times highlighting the appeal.

Fourteen former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, as well as Australia’s Greg Chappell, Allan Border and Steve Waugh, signed the petition. England’s Nasser Hussain, David Gower and Mike Brearley, West Indies legend Clive Lloyd and New Zealand’s John Wright were also among the signatories.

The appeal stated: “As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan’s stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon.”