LAHORE, Pakistan – The call for justice is growing louder and this time, it’s coming from the country’s biggest screens.
As former prime minister Imran Khan faces a worsening health crisis in Adiala Jail, a wave of Pakistani celebrities has taken to social media to demand his release, using their platforms to amplify concerns over delayed medical treatment and deteriorating conditions.
Leading the charge is Yumna Zaidi, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated actresses, known for her powerful performances in Pyar Ke Sadqay and Tere Bin. In a direct and emotional appeal posted to her Instagram stories, Zaidi wrote:
“Release Imran Khan Sahab, it’s a severe need of the time. Have some mercy.”
The post, simple yet searing, immediately went viral, racking up thousands of screenshots and shares within hours.
A Star-Studded Wave of Support
Zaidi is far from alone. A growing list of A-list celebrities have voiced concern or shared posts using hashtags like #ImranKhanHealthEmergency and #DialoguePakistan:
- Mahira Khan (Raees, The Legend of Maula Jatt) shared a news graphic detailing Khan’s vision loss, adding a broken heart emoji and the words: “This is beyond heartbreaking. Where is the humanity?”
- Atif Aslam, the internationally acclaimed singer, posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter): “Justice delayed is justice denied. Praying for strength and truth to prevail.”
- Adnan Siddiqui (Mom, Verna) shared a detailed post calling for transparency, writing: “A leader’s health should never become a political tool. This is a human rights issue first.”
- Ayesha Omar (Bulbulay, Zindagi Gulzar Hai) posted a video of Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Aasim Yusuf, with the caption: “Listen to his voice. Listen to the truth. #FreeImranKhan.”
- Hamza Ali Abbasi (The Legend of Maula Jatt, Parwaaz Hai Junoon), known for his outspoken political views, shared a lengthy statement holding the government accountable, writing: “If something happens to him, history will not forgive us.”
- Kubra Khan (Sang-e-Mah, Humsafar) reshaded multiple medical reports and court orders, urging her followers to “pay attention to what’s happening.”
- Hania Aamir, ever the internet’s favorite, liked and reshared several posts from activists and journalists covering the story, signaling her solidarity without a direct statement.
The Health Crisis: What We Know
The celebrity outcry follows alarming revelations in the Supreme Court this week. A court-appointed lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, visited Khan on February 10 and filed a seven-page report detailing the 72-year-old PTI founder’s declining health.
According to the report, Khan had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes as recently as October 2025. Months later, he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye, diagnosed as central retinal vein occlusion—a serious blockage of blood flow to the retina that can cause permanent blindness if untreated.
A medical report from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) , dated February 6, confirmed the diagnosis and warned that “any further delay poses a serious risk.”
Safdar described Khan as “visibly perturbed and deeply distressed,” noting watery eyes and repeated use of tissues during their meeting.
Court Intervention
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi responded swiftly, ordering the formation of a medical board and directing an eye examination before February 16. The court also ordered prison authorities to allow Khan to speak by telephone with his sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, both based in the United Kingdom.
A five-member medical team visited Adiala jail on Sunday, conducting an eye exam, taking blood samples, and checking Khan’s blood pressure. However, PTI rejected the check-up, stating it was conducted without the presence of Khan’s family or his personal physicians.
Khan’s personal doctor, Dr. Aasim Yusuf, later confirmed in a video statement that while he had not been allowed to examine Khan personally, he held a 40-minute call with the PIMS doctors and learned that Khan had shown “significant improvement” following treatment.
The Bigger Picture
Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail since August 2023, facing multiple legal cases his party maintains are politically motivated. His health has become a flashpoint, with human rights organizations, political workers, and now, the country’s most visible celebrities demanding action.
As the Supreme Court awaits further medical reports, the stars have made one thing clear: they’re watching. And they’re not staying silent.
What’s Next?
The court has ordered continued monitoring of Khan’s health. Meanwhile, the hashtags continue to trend—and the celebrity posts keep coming.
For Yumna Zaidi and her fellow artists, mercy, it seems, is no longer just a word. It’s a demand.
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