The hashtag Imran Khan needs proper care is trending on Twitter and drawing widespread media attention due to escalating concerns over the health of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan while he remains incarcerated. Reports from political leaders, human rights advocates, and international figures reveal that the 73-year-old’s medical condition, particularly the deteriorating eyesight in his right eye, has sparked controversy, protests, and calls for improved and transparent medical attention to safeguard his well-being.
Khan, a legendary cricketer who led Pakistan to its only Cricket World Cup win in 1992 before serving as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in prison since 2023 following multiple graft convictions that he and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claim are politically motivated.
Serious Eye Condition and Health Debate
The core of the trending concern centers on Imran Khan’s health condition, particularly an eye ailment known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), which affects blood flow and vision in the retina. Family members and PTI leaders have repeatedly raised the alarm that the condition has not been treated with the required transparency or specialized care since late January.
In recent developments, the Pakistani government confirmed that Khan would be shifted from prison to a hospital on February 25, 2026, for a scheduled eye injection, part of a series of treatments aimed at managing the CRVO condition. The government stated that the treatment would be carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
However, political leaders and Khan’s supporters argue this is insufficient without full access for his personal physicians and complete transparency about his medical records and progress. The PTI has insisted that only qualified specialists of Khan’s choosing should be able to examine him fully.
Political Tensions Over Healthcare Transparency
The debate over Khan’s medical care has rapidly evolved into a wider political controversy. The PTI has criticised the government’s silence, describing a lack of clear communication about Khan’s condition as a national trust and human rights issue that has intensified public unease. Party officials argue that without honest disclosure, rumours and fears will continue to spread among his millions of supporters.
Meanwhile, government officials reaffirm that Khan is receiving proper medical attention and that all required protocols are being followed. Authorities have emphasised that efforts are being made to ensure he receives treatment at appropriate facilities, including arranging multiple hospital visits for necessary injections.
International Voices and Appeals
What has added fuel to the trending hashtag is the international response, especially from prominent figures in cricket. A group of 14 former international cricket captains, including Indian legends such as Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, and captains from Australia, England and the West Indies, issued a joint humanitarian appeal urging the Pakistani government to ensure Khan is treated with dignity and provided adequate ongoing medical care.
These appeals resonate across borders due to Khan’s legacy not just as a political leader but as a cricket icon whose rivalry and camaraderie with many of these captains date back decades.
Family Concerns and Legal Access
In addition to the public and international outcry, Khan’s family has been engaged in securing better healthcare for him. His sons — Kasim and Sulaiman Khan — have sought visas to visit him from London, citing growing concern over his deteriorating health and restricted access to him in jail. Despite their applications being pending, they continue to advocate for their father’s medical rights.
The situation has also seen interventions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which previously approved limited legal access to Khan and ordered medical evaluations. However, the PTI insists that full transparency and unrestricted physician access remain vital to assessing his true medical needs.
Public Reaction and Hashtag Spread
The trending hashtag Imran Khan needs proper care reflects not only political polarisation but also genuine public concern over the health and human rights of an aging leader facing serious medical issues while in custody. Activists, citizens, and opposition groups are using social media to amplify calls for humane treatment, professional medical oversight, and accountability from authorities. Social media discussions cover everything from the politics of imprisonment to humanitarian considerations about elder care and medical ethics.
This article is part of FFRNews World & South Asia coverage. It is based on reporting from Associated Press, Pakistan Today, and Observer Online regarding Imran Khan’s health developments, political reactions, and international appeals.
