Imran Khan Jail Update 2026: A Deep Dive into the Health Crisis and Legal Deadlock

Key Takeaways

• Imran Khan Jail Update 2026: Imran Khan has been in custody since August 5, 2023, primarily residing at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
• Health Crisis: In February 2026, reports surfaced that Khan has lost nearly 85% of his vision in his right eye due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO).
• Legal Status: While he has been acquitted in some cases (like the Iddat marriage case), he remains serving a combined sentence for corruption and state secret violations.

The incarceration of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains the most significant political flashpoint in South Asia. As of February 17, 2026, the focus has shifted from courtroom battles to a dire medical emergency within the walls of Adiala Jail. This report analyzes the reasons behind his detention, the current state of his health, and the official stance of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Why is Imran Khan in Jail?

Since his removal from power in 2022 via a no-confidence motion, Khan has faced over 150 legal cases. His current detention is tied to several key convictions:

1. Toshakhana Case: Convicted of illegally selling state gifts received during international visits. He was sentenced to 14 years in January 2025.
2. Cipher Case: Accused of leaking a classified diplomatic cable (state secret) while in office. Although previously acquitted in one instance, overlapping charges under the Official Secrets Act have kept him behind bars.
3. Corruption (Al-Qadir Trust): Allegations involving the exchange of land for a university in return for political favors.

Date	Event	Legal/Medical Significance
May 9, 2023	First Arrest	Arrested by Rangers at Islamabad High Court (Al-Qadir Trust case). Sparked nationwide protests.
May 11, 2023	Release	Supreme Court declared the arrest “invalid and unlawful.” Released on bail.
Aug 5, 2023	Second Arrest	Arrested at his Lahore residence (Zaman Park) after Toshakhana-1 conviction (3-year sentence).
Aug 29, 2023	Bail & Re-arrest	Sentence suspended in Toshakhana-1, but immediately detained in the Cipher Case (Official Secrets Act).
Jan 30, 2024	Cipher Conviction	Sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly leaking a secret diplomatic cable.
Jan 31, 2024	Toshakhana-1 (Rigorous)	Sentenced to 14 years (with Bushra Bibi) for retaining state gifts at undervalued rates.
Feb 3, 2024	Iddat Case Verdict	Sentenced to 7 years for an allegedly un-Islamic marriage ceremony.
Jun 3, 2024	Cipher Acquittal	Islamabad High Court overturned the 10-year Cipher conviction.
Jul 13, 2024	Iddat Acquittal	Court overturned the marriage case conviction; release was expected but blocked by new cases.
Jan 17, 2025	Al-Qadir Trust Sentence	Sentenced to 14 years for alleged land-for-favors corruption involving £190 million.
Dec 20, 2025	Toshakhana-2 Sentence	Sentenced to a further 17 years in a second state-gift graft case.
Feb 12, 2026	Medical Crisis Reveal	Lawyers inform the Supreme Court that Khan has lost 85% vision in his right eye.
Feb 15, 2026	Medical Board Exam	A 5-member board examines Khan in jail; family rejects the findings without their personal doctors.
Feb 16, 2026	Court Deadline	Supreme Court deadline for authorities to provide independent medical access and an evaluation report.

Current Jail Conditions and Health Update

The most alarming news in early 2026 involves Khan’s deteriorating eyesight. On February 12, his lawyer Salman Safdar informed the Supreme Court that the 73-year-old leader is left with only 15% vision in his right eye.

• The Condition: Diagnosed as Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), caused by a blood clot.
• Alleged Neglect: Khan claims he reported blurred vision as early as October 2025, but meaningful medical action was delayed by jail authorities.
• Living Conditions: He has spent much of his time in solitary confinement, with limited access to sunlight and restricted exercise, which PTI leaders argue has contributed to his health decline.

On February 15, a government-appointed medical board conducted an hour-long exam. While the government claims his condition is “improving” and manageable within the jail, his family has rejected these reports, demanding an independent evaluation.

What His Family and Party (PTI) Say

The narrative from the Khan family and PTI is one of “political victimization” and “medical neglect.”

• The Family: His sisters, Aleema and Noreen Khanum, have led sit-ins outside the jail. They maintain that the government is “hiding facts” and have refused to accept any medical board that does not include Khan’s personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Aasim Yusuf.
• The Party: PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has stated that the party is in “grave fear” for Khan’s life. They argue that the “secret” attempts to shift him to hospitals without family consent are a breach of fundamental rights.

When Can He Be Released?

There is no fixed release date for Imran Khan in 2026. His legal team is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy:

1. Medical Grounds: On February 14, 2026, lawyers moved the Islamabad High Court to suspend his 17-year sentence on medical grounds, citing the urgent need for specialist eye surgery at a private facility (Shifa International).
2. Supreme Court Monitoring: The Chief Justice is personally monitoring the report on his living conditions, which could lead to a transfer to a “sub-jail” (a private residence) if the prison is deemed unfit for his medical needs.
3. Political Negotiation: Analysts suggest that while legal acquittals are possible, a full release may ultimately depend on a political settlement between PTI and the military establishment.

Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Imran Khan going blind?

Reports from his legal team and sister indicate he has lost 85% of vision in his right eye. However, government doctors claimed on February 16 that his vision has shown “significant improvement” following recent treatment.

Imran Khan Jail Update 2026: Which jail is Imran Khan in right now?

He is currently held at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, a high-security facility.

Can Imran Khan contest the next elections?

As of now, his convictions in corruption cases carry a disqualification from holding public office. Unless these convictions are overturned or suspended by a higher court, he remains barred from contesting elections.

ALSO READ: US-Iran Relations 2026: A History of Missed Opportunities and Modern Crisis

ALSO READ: India BRICS Presidency 2026: Leadership in an Era of Global Uncertainty