- Imran Khan and Wife Both Suffering Vision Loss in Adiala Jail, Family Says

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – In a disturbing development that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists worldwide, Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, underwent emergency eye surgery overnight while incarcerated in Adiala Jail -- and was promptly returned to her cell without specialist follow-up care, according to her family.

Maryam Riaz Wattoo, sister of Bushra Bibi, revealed in an emotional statement that the family was suddenly asked to come meet Bushra at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with no prior explanation. Only upon arrival did they discover that she had been brought back from a hospital, where she had undergone major surgery for retinal detachment.

"For days, she had been in severe pain and had even lost vision in one eye," Maryam wrote on X. "Yet, a doctor was only called a day before. When finally examined, doctors raised an urgent alarm: she had already suffered complete vision loss due to retinal detachment and needed immediate surgery."

Maryam disclosed that she had shared doctors' warnings from Bushra's jail medical reports weeks ago, that she urgently needed laser treatment to prevent retinal detachment. But for the past two months, family visits were blocked, leaving them with no updates on her condition.

"A couple of weeks ago, I had shared doctors' warnings from her jail medical reports, that she urgently needed laser treatment or risk retinal detachment. But for the past two months, family visits were blocked," she said.

Now, after undergoing major eye surgery, Bushra has been returned to her cell, a decision Maryam called "heartbreaking" and dangerous.

"This surgery requires continuous care and close monitoring by specialists. So why was she brought back to jail, to be left alone in an insect-infested cell? How is she supposed to avoid infection in such conditions?" she asked.

"Just imagine, for a moment, the pain we feel when even something minor gets into our eye. She has undergone major eye surgery… and now she is alone, without care or support. It is truly heartbreaking."

- Imran Khan Also Losing Vision

The situation mirrors the ongoing health crisis of her husband, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in the same jail. Before Ramadan, Khan's lawyer submitted a medical report to the Supreme Court revealing that Khan had lost 85 percent of vision in one eye due to alleged negligence by jail authorities.

The court ordered treatment for Khan, and his family has continuously demanded that he be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for proper care. However, the government has so far refused, providing treatment only through government-run hospitals.

Now, both husband and wife are facing vision loss while imprisoned -- a coincidence that has alarmed medical experts and human rights observers alike.

- No Government Response

As of the filing of this story, the Pakistani government has issued no reaction or explanation regarding Bushra Bibi's surgery, her return to jail without specialist care, or the broader allegations of medical negligence.

Khan's political party and supporters have long accused the government of fabricating cases against the former premier. They have also criticized some judges for failing to provide justice by indefinitely pending Khan's bail pleas in various courts.

Human rights activists and former cricket stars from around the world have demanded that Pakistan immediately release Imran Khan from prison. Many have pointed to the deteriorating health of both Khan and his wife as evidence of inhumane treatment.

"The world is watching," Habib Afzal, a Khan's supporter, said. "A former prime minister and his wife losing their eyesight in jail, with proper medical care denied -- this is not justice. This is cruelty."

As calls for Khan's release grow louder, and with Bushra Bibi now facing potential infection and permanent damage from lack of post-surgery care, the spotlight on Pakistan's prison conditions and judicial process has never been more intense.

Neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the Interior Ministry has commented on the allegations of medical negligence. Adiala Jail authorities have also remained silent.

For now, Bushra Bibi sits alone in her cell -- hours removed from major eye surgery -- as her family pleads for mercy, and the world waits for an explanation.