Imran Khan Faces Restrictions on Family Visits, Health Concerns Mount
ISLAMABAD: Despite a court order allowing twice-weekly meetings with family, lawyers, and associates, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has faced continued restrictions on visits at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Concerns over his health, particularly vision loss in his right eye, have intensified, prompting medical evaluations and demands for improved conditions.
Restricted Access and Legal Challenges
Imran Khan’s sisters were denied a meeting with him on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, prompting his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to condemn the ongoing restrictions as a “blatant violation of fundamental human and constitutional rights.” The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had previously authorized meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but these have been largely curtailed in recent weeks. His last permitted meeting was with lawyer Salman Safdar on February 10, 2026, following Supreme Court intervention.
Health Concerns and Medical Examinations
Concerns about Khan’s health arose after Safdar reported partial vision loss in his right eye. Subsequent examinations confirmed 6/9 partial vision with glasses. On February 16, 2026, Khan underwent a third eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), receiving an anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injection.
Khan’s family and personal physicians are advocating for his admission to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and requesting access for his personal doctors to provide care.
Family’s Concerns Over Travel Requirements
Aleema Khanum, Imran Khan’s sister, questioned the government’s insistence that his sons travel to Pakistan using National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicops) instead of British passports. Jemima Goldsmith, Khan’s former spouse, has also raised concerns that requiring Nicops would leave Khan’s sons without “British protection.”
Allegations of Solitary Confinement and Human Rights Violations
PTI alleges that Imran Khan has been subjected to “prolonged solitary confinement,” which they claim violates internationally recognized human rights standards, including the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules. These rules define extended solitary confinement as a form of psychological and physical torture.
PTI Demands and Proposed Strategy
PTI is demanding immediate access to family, legal counsel, and party leadership for Khan, an end to solitary confinement, unhindered access to personal physicians, and a transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
The party’s Islamabad chapter has proposed a roadmap for securing Khan’s release, emphasizing accountability within the party, a unified message, organized public engagement, youth mobilization, and a robust media strategy. They plan to begin registrations for a movement to release Khan after Eid.
Key Takeaways
- Imran Khan continues to face restrictions on family visits despite court orders.
- Concerns are growing regarding his health, particularly his vision.
- PTI alleges human rights violations due to prolonged solitary confinement.
- The party is developing a strategy to secure Khan’s release and advocate for political stability.