A report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan has raised questions about the medical treatment, legal access and living conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.
The report was prepared by Amicus Curiae Barrister Salman Safdar after the Court’s order of February 10, 2026. It includes Khan’s own statements as well as observations made during a visit to the jail.
Serious Eye Condition and Alleged Delay in Treatment
The major concerns detailed in the report focus on Khan’s declining eyesight. Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) found that he is suffering from Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a vein in the eye. Despite treatment, his vision in the right eye has fallen to about 15 percent.
The report directly records the petitioner’s account of how the condition progressed:
“That the Petitioner informed the undersigned that approximately three to four months earlier, until October 2025, he had normal 6 x 6 vision in both eyes. He then began experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision, which he repeatedly reported to the then Jail Superintendent. However, no action was taken by the jail authorities to address these complaints. He stated that he subsequently suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye, following which an ophthalmologist from PIMS Hospital, Dr. Muhammad Arif, was called to examine him. According to the Petitioner, he was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage, and despite the treatment administered (including an injection), he has been left with only 15% vision in his right eye.”
The Amicus further documented his personal observation during the meeting:
“The undersigned personally observed that the Petitioner appeared visibly perturbed and deeply distressed by the loss of vision and the absence of timely and specialised medical intervention. Throughout the meeting, the Petitioner’s eyes were watery, and he repeatedly used a tissue to wipe them, reflecting physical discomfort.”
The report recommends that the condition be independently assessed by expert ophthalmologists without delay.
Solitary Confinement and Living Conditions
The document also notes that Khan has remained in solitary confinement for approximately four years and four months. He is kept in a designated cell within a secured compound and spends long hours confined each day.
The report also points to concerns about limited legal access. The petitioner said he has not been allowed to meet his lead lawyer or legal team in recent months, making it difficult for him to give instructions or stay informed about his cases. Summer months were described as especially difficult because of heat, humidity and insects.
The lack of a refrigerator was also raised, with the petitioner stating that food has spoiled during hot weather and that he suffered food poisoning on a few occasions.
Legal and Family Access Concerns
The report also points to concerns about limited legal access. The petitioner said he has not been allowed to meet his lead lawyer or legal te in recent months. This has king it difficult for him to give instructions or stay informed about his cases.
Family communication has also been restricted. While weekly meetings with his spouse are permitted, other close relatives have reportedly not been allowed to meet him, and telephone access to his sons abroad has been limited.
Court Recommendations
Although he said he felt personally safe inside the jail compound, the Amicus pointed to several issues that, in his view, warrant the Court’s attention. He called for an independent medical examination, better sanitary arrangements, the restoration of access to legal counsel, and greater contact with family members.
The matter remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.
