Tensions reached a boiling point on Friday, January 30, 2026, as senior leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held an emergency press conference, accusing the government of concealing the true medical condition of the party’s founder, Imran Khan.
The controversy erupted following reports that the former Prime Minister was shifted from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) late at night under strict secrecy.
IPTI claims he has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, a serious condition that could lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
However, the Pakistani government stated he is in good health after a minor eye procedure was performed last week.
According to PTI leaders Babar Awan and Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, the government’s stance on Imran Khan’s health has been inconsistent and evasive.
The mystery deepened following Babar Awan’s statement regarding a “secret operation theater.” Supporters and some insiders suggest that the late-night move to PIMS was specifically for an emergency eye procedure or to treat a potential complication related to cataracts or glaucoma, though this has not been officially confirmed by a medical bulletin.
Authorities initially claimed the PTI founder was in perfect health and receiving routine care from a dedicated medical team within the jail.
The narrative shifted when it was revealed that Khan was moved to PIMS Hospital during the night. Officials later downplayed the move as a response to a “minor issue.”
Babar Awan raised serious alarms, stating, “We do not know his current status or which operation theater he was treated in.” He questioned why his sisters were denied access to see him if the issue was indeed minor.
The PTI leadership expressed deep concern over what they termed “discriminatory treatment.”
Barrister Gohar Khan emphasized that the lack of communication is causing global concern. The party has filed a new formal application in court seeking an independent medical examination.
Leaders urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to expedite pending cases, including the 190 Million Pound and Toshakhana 2.0 cases, alleging that while other political figures (referring to Nawaz Sharif) received full medical facilities, Khan’s bail applications remain stalled.
Addressing rumors of backdoor negotiations, Barrister Gohar clarified that no Terms of Reference (TORs) have been settled with the government. “Everything else is a rumor; verify all news regarding the founder through PTI directly,” he stated.
The core of the current protest is that despite the visible discomfort in his eyes, his family and personal doctors have been barred from conducting a private check-up. The government maintains he is receiving “standard care,” but the refusal to release a detailed medical report has fueled rumors of a more serious underlying health crisis.
The party is demanding a minute-by-minute medical report and immediate visitation rights for Khan’s family and personal physicians.
