Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday said the Pakistani government must form a medical team to assess Imran Khan's health, after the imprisoned ex-prime minister reportedly complained of massive vision loss. 

What do we know so far? 

Pakistani media reported that the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, said "the issue of Imran's health is most important," while adding that "intervention was necessary."

The two-member bench is conducting hearings related to Khan's living conditions in Adiala Jail, which is located in the central-eastern Pakistani province of Punjab.    

The court set a February 16 deadline for a medical examination and also said 73-year-old Khan must be allowed contact with his sons, who reside in London.   

Khan's attorney, Salman Safdar, met with Khan earlier in the week. Safdar told the Supreme Court that Khan reported vision loss of up to 85% in his right eye due to a blood clot.  

Khan's son, Karim Khan, blamed his father's deteriorating health in confinement on "the regime in power, the Army Chief and the puppets enabling their orders, their watch and their responsablity."  

"We urge human rights bodies, legal institutions and democratic nations to confront this persecution and ensure those responsible face consequences," Kasim said.  

Who is Imran Khan?

Khan served as Pakistan's prime minister from August 2018 until he was removed via a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022. 

A former cricket star, Khan still boasts a massive base of voters and supporters in Pakistan. Khan has blamed the Pakistani military and the US for his removal from power, although Washington denies this allegation.  

Khan was put behind bars in 2023 due to his conviction in a graft case. The Pakistani government has also cracked down on Khan's Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and pro-PTI protesters.   

Edited by: Darko Janjevic