By The South Asia Times

LONDON - Global outrage mounted Saturday over the deteriorating health of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has reportedly lost 85% vision in his right eye after what medical experts, his lawyers, and family describe as three months of "deliberate neglect" by prison authorities.

The claim was rejected by the government.

Consultant surgeon Dr. Usman Khan, director of Citizens Against State Torture, delivered a damning assessment of the former cricket star's treatment in Adiala jail, where he has been held for 924 days on charges his supporters call politically motivated.

"This is not a case of medical misfortune. It is a case of deliberate neglect," Dr. Khan said in a statement. "Mr. Khan's repeated complaints were ignored until late January 2026 when a specialist was finally summoned only after the transfer of the former jail superintendent. By then, the window for effective treatment had closed."

The doctor explained that central retinal vein occlusion -- the condition affecting Khan -- is a "sight-threatening emergency" requiring prompt intravitreal injection to prevent permanent damage. Instead, prison authorities provided only eye drops for three months.

"We reject the government's attempt to characterize this as a minor issue," Dr. Khan added. "A three-month delay in a custodial setting where the state bears absolute responsibility for a detainee's health constitutes cruelty and a violation of fundamental human rights."

Social media personality Mario Nawfal highlighted the severity of the situation: "Imran Khan has only 15% vision left in his right eye after months of prison neglect, according to his family and lawyer. Officials? Silent. This is how they treat a former PM?"

Indian senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai questioned the silence of the cricket world: "Last night, I posted on Imran Khan's health in prison and the tweet has got a huge response. BUT here is my question: why haven't cricketers/sportspersons in Pakistan and around the world spoken out loudly in one voice for Imran's safety? We mix politics and cricket on the wrong issues; why don't the stars speak in solidarity for one of their own? Itna sannata kyon (Why such silence)?"

Turkish author Turgay Evren appealed directly to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: "Honorable President, it is alleged that due to delays in providing medical treatment for Imran Khan in jail, permanent damage has occurred in one of his eyes. In Pakistan, all the sides hold you in the highest respect. Could you please take action on this matter?"

Evren added: "I am not concerned about who the Prime Minister of Pakistan is today. What concerns me is Imran Khan's health, because to me he is not only a former Prime Minister but also a voice of conscience for humanity and the Ummah."

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK: Women for Peace, echoed the condemnation in a video message, calling the neglect "cruelty" and a breach of UN Nelson Mandela Rules.

She demanded the formation of an independent medical board including Khan's personal physicians, full disclosure of medical records, accountability for officials including legal proceedings against former jail superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, and unrestricted access to trusted specialists.

"You can disagree with a man, you cannot gamble with his life," Benjamin said. "The irreversible loss of Imran Khan's vision is not merely a political controversy; it is a human tragedy that should trouble the conscience of every civilized society."

A report submitted to the Supreme Court by Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed as Amicus Curiae, exposed what PTI described as "excruciating and inhumane conditions" in Khan's prison cell.

According to the report, Khan has endured extended periods of complete isolation with no contact with family, lawyers, or personal physicians, confinement in a "death cell," dirty water, suspect food, unsanitary conditions, no sunlight, no electricity, no medical aid, no books, and no rights as guaranteed by law.

"How long will the champions of human rights remain silent on the inhumane treatment of an international cricket star, a philanthropist, a former Prime Minister, and the head of the largest political party in Pakistan?" the party asked.

Dr. Faisal Sultan, CEO of Shaukat Khanum Hospitals and Khan's longtime personal physician, expressed grave concern over the reports and requested authorities to include himself and Dr. Aasim Yusuf in the medical team providing care, citing their insight into Khan's past medical history.

- Government response 

The Pakistani government has rejected allegations of negligence, with officials maintaining that Khan has received appropriate medical care. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has previously dismissed PTI's claims as "propaganda."

But as international pressure mounts and protests grow, the government faces increasing scrutiny over the treatment of its most prominent political prisoner. The Supreme Court has ordered a medical examination of Khan, with findings expected in the coming days.

For Khan's supporters, the damage is already done -- and irreversible. As Dr. Khan concluded, "You can disagree with a man, you cannot gamble with his life.