Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday dismissed concerns regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s reported vision loss, saying that there was “nothing as such to worry about”.

As per the details, the minister’s remarks came days after the Supreme Court (SC) was informed that Imran had only 15 percent vision left in his right eye, prompting the top court to form a medical team and directing that an examination be conducted before February 16.

On Sunday, a five-member medical team visited Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran is incarcerated, and conducted an eye examination. Blood samples were taken and blood pressure was checked. The PTI rejected the check-up, stating it was carried out without the presence of his family and personal physicians.

Addressing the Bar Association Ferozewala in Shahdara on Monday, Tarar referred to the “latest report that had to be submitted” regarding Imran’s health. The minister said he had discussed the matter with Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and other “relevant” individuals before attending the event.

“They said thanks to God, the examination was carried out again on the Supreme Court’s order and there is no such thing about 35 or 25 [percent],” he said.

“If he uses glasses for his eyesight, then one eye is approximately 70 percent fine and the other eye is 6/6. There is nothing as such to worry about.” In medical terms, 6/6 or 20/20 vision refers to normal clarity and sharpness of sight.

Before commenting on Imran’s health, Tarar also said there was a need to pay attention to our national issues. 

“We took difficult financial decisions, but the fruits of those can be seen now,” he stated, adding that Pakistan was now “performing way better economically”.

 

He said political stability was necessary for economic stability. “There is a lot of noise these days that what is about happen and what has been done to the PTI founder,” he noted.

Referring to the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Tarar said it was the “first time that a government was taking official measures to deprive the citizens of their rights”. 

He cited road blockades at multiple entry and exit points of the province, including Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway at Swabi’s Anbar Interchange, GT Road at Khairabad Bridge, Dera Ismail Khan-Bhakkar Road, Lakki Marwat-Mianwali Road, Hazara Motorway at Abbottabad-Havelian Interchange, Kohat-Pindi Road near Khushal Garh and Upper Kohistan-Gilgit Karakoram Highway.

“Article 15 [of the Constitution] allows freedom of movement, but the blockage of motorways and GT Road on the official level is unconstitutional,” he said.

The minister expressed hope that the PTI would “rectify” the situation after reviewing the latest report.

“Otherwise, the federal government will have to take some action,” he warned.

Separately, a medical report dated February 6 and signed by Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander stated that a qualified ophthalmologist examined Imran at Adiala and a “diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion was made”.

 

The PTI and Imran’s family have demanded his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for further examination.