Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has raised the alarm over the deteriorating health of his former captain and ex-Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Reports indicate that Imran has lost nearly 85% of the vision in his right eye, prompting Akram and other former cricketers to call for urgent medical intervention.
“It is heartbreaking to hear that our captain Imran Khan is going through health issues,” Akram wrote on X. “I sincerely hope the authorities take this matter seriously and ensure he receives the best possible medical care. Wishing him a speedy recovery and good health.”
A court-appointed lawyer, Salman Safdar, confirmed that Imran now retains only 15% vision in his right eye. The report states that he had been complaining of blurred vision since October last year, but jail authorities reportedly failed to act. Investigations later revealed that permanent damage had occurred due to a blood clot in his retina.
Imran was arrested in August 2023. Following the latest medical report, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered a medical board to be formed by 16 February to conduct a full ophthalmic examination.
Alongside Akram, Waqar Yunus has appealed for humane treatment for the former cricket star and national leader:
“Set politics aside. Our national hero, who has given us our proudest moments in sport and helped many through the cancer hospital he founded, is in critical health and requires urgent medical care. I earnestly request that he receives proper treatment in time. Wishing him a rapid recovery, Captain.”
Imran founded the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in honour of his mother, who lost her battle to cancer. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been fundraising for the hospital in the United States for the past three months, also expressed concern:
“I am devastated to hear that he is losing his eyesight. I hope he receives proper medical care and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Support has poured in from across the cricketing world. Former Pakistani players, including Shahid Afridi, Ramiz Raja, and Mohammad Hafeez, have urged the authorities to ensure Imran receives timely treatment. Notably, India’s former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja also called on Pakistani cricketers to support him in this critical period.
