Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan left with 15% vision in right eye, court told

Medical report submitted to the court reveals lasting damage from the 2022 assassination attempt, renewing debate over prison healthcare and political violence in Pakistan.
A Pakistani court has been informed that former prime minister Imran Khan has suffered permanent damage to his right eye and is left with only 15% vision following the assassination attempt that injured him during a political rally in November 2022.
The disclosure came during legal proceedings concerning Khan’s medical condition and access to specialized treatment while in custody. According to medical documents presented before the court, doctors concluded that the firearm injury caused irreversible harm to the optic structures of his right eye, significantly reducing his eyesight and raising concerns about long-term complications.
Khan, who was shot while traveling in a convoy in Wazirabad, Punjab, had initially undergone emergency surgery and treatment at military and civilian hospitals. At the time, doctors said multiple pellets struck his leg and upper body, but later assessments revealed that one projectile or fragment had caused trauma near the eye area, leading to progressive vision loss.
The medical report stated that despite treatment and follow-up care, full recovery of vision in the affected eye is not possible. Physicians warned that prolonged strain, stress, or inadequate medical supervision could worsen his condition and potentially affect his remaining eyesight.
Defense lawyers told the court that Khan’s health has deteriorated in prison and that his limited vision now interferes with daily activities, including reading legal documents and attending lengthy hearings. They argued that his condition requires regular monitoring by ophthalmology specialists and access to diagnostic facilities that are not fully available inside detention centers.
Government representatives acknowledged the medical findings but maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate healthcare under prison rules. Officials said that arrangements have been made for periodic checkups and that he can be transferred to a hospital if doctors deem it necessary. They rejected claims of negligence, calling them politically motivated.
The revelation has revived memories of the 2022 shooting, which shocked the country and intensified political polarization. Khan had accused elements within the state of being involved in the attack, allegations that authorities denied. A suspect was arrested at the scene and investigations were launched, but the case remains a symbol of Pakistan’s volatile political climate.
Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party reacted strongly to the court disclosure, calling it proof that he continues to suffer because of political violence. Party leaders demanded that independent medical boards be allowed to examine him and that he be granted medical relief in line with constitutional rights.
“This is not just about one man’s eyesight,” a PTI spokesperson said. “It is about the safety and dignity of political leaders and the rule of law in Pakistan.”
Human rights groups have also weighed in, urging authorities to ensure transparency regarding Khan’s medical treatment. They noted that prisoners, regardless of political status, are entitled to healthcare consistent with international standards.
Legal analysts say the medical evidence could influence ongoing petitions seeking bail or temporary release on health grounds. However, they caution that Pakistani courts traditionally require clear proof that treatment cannot be provided within the prison system before granting such relief.
The case also highlights broader concerns over security at political gatherings and the risks faced by public figures in Pakistan. Attacks on politicians have historically altered the country’s political trajectory, and Khan’s injury remains a powerful reminder of those dangers.
As proceedings continue, the court is expected to review additional medical evaluations and determine whether special measures are needed to safeguard Khan’s health. For now, the confirmation that he retains only 15% vision in his right eye adds a new and sobering dimension to his legal and political struggles, underscoring the lasting personal cost of violence in Pakistan’s turbulent political arena.