• Raises alarm over vision loss due to ‘calculated cruelty’; alleges deliberate denial, political victimisation
• Demands public medical reports; unhindered access for family
• Warns that govt, jail administration will be held responsible if her health worsens

ISLAMABAD: The PTI has expressed grave concern over reports about the health of party founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and demanded she be moved to a hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment amid claims of “deliberate neglect” at Adiala jail.

The concerns over her health have been raised after a similar situation was faced by her incarcerated husband. Mr Khan also suffered significant vision loss due to a retinal condition, which his legal team attributed to prolonged medical neglect in jail. His underwent multiple procedures at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).

Party officials said reports of Bushra Bibi’s deteriorating eyesight, substantiated by a medical specialist, indicate she is being denied fundamental rights.

“Reports emerging from Adiala jail indicate that Bushra Bibi is experiencing vision impairment,” the party’s Central Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram said.

He said, “A report by an eye specialist from Pims further substantiates that she is being deliberately deprived of basic human rights and essential medical care. This is not mere negligence, but a continuation of a calculated act of cruelty and political victimisation.”

In a statement, the party claimed that an examination by an ophthalmologist was conducted after Bushra Bibi complained of severe pain in her right eye, blurred vision, black spots, flashes in darkness and persistent headaches for nearly two weeks.

The medical assessment reportedly diagnosed posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), along with myopia and astigmatism, a development the party termed deeply concerning.

“It is severely condemnable that a female detainee, already held under controversial and questionable circumstances, is being subjected to such dangerous neglect regarding her health,” Mr Akram stated.

“Delays and indifference in addressing a sensitive issue like vision impairment could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis.”

The PTI demanded that Bushra Bibi be provided immediate access to the best possible medical care, be promptly transferred to a well-equipped hospital, and that all her medical reports be made public with complete transparency. The party also pressed that her family and legal counsel be granted unhindered access.

Mr Akram warned that the government and jail administration would be held responsible if her condition worsens.

“If anything happens to Bushra Bibi, the current government will be held responsible for it. Moreover, he said that relevant authorities and jail administration will also be equally responsible,” he added.

The party’s concern grew after a document from Adiala jail, dated March 28, circulated on social media, indicating an issue with one of Bushra Bibi’s eyes. Mr Akram confirmed that after the document surfaced, the party began seeking more information and eventually confirmed her eye problems.

“This issue is not about an individual’s health. It reflects a dark stain on the face of the state system,” the secretary said.

“The violation of fundamental human rights under the guise of political revenge is unacceptable. Such actions not only contravene the Constitution but also violate the norms of any civilised society.”

The PTI has asserted that the nation is closely watching how the state treats those in its custody and vowed to continue raising its voice. Mr Akram said the party “will take all necessary steps to ensure that the matter reaches its logical conclusion.”

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2026