On Tuesday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was once again transferred from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for a crucial follow-up appointment related to his ongoing eye treatment. This marks the second time Khan has been brought to the hospital under tight security measures since his initial visit in late January, highlighting the seriousness of his medical condition. The treatment focuses on his right eye, which has been diagnosed with a significant health issue requiring multiple injections as part of the prescribed care plan.
During this visit, Khan remained at PIMS for nearly an hour, where he underwent a comprehensive eye examination followed by a cardiac evaluation. The medical team conducted echocardiography and electrocardiogram tests to assess his heart function, both of which reportedly showed normal results. After completing these procedures, Khan was escorted back to Adiala Jail. Medical authorities have indicated that he is scheduled to receive a third injection on March 23, continuing the carefully monitored treatment regimen.
Prior to administering the injection, a panel of specialists carried out a detailed assessment of Khan’s eye condition to ensure the appropriateness of the treatment. The procedure involved the administration of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, a therapy commonly used to address retinal conditions by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth. This intervention was performed in an operating theatre under strict medical protocols and precautionary measures, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to patient safety. The injection was carried out as a day-care procedure, allowing Khan to be discharged later the same day with stable vital signs and clear follow-up instructions.
Hospital officials confirmed that informed consent was obtained from Khan before proceeding with the treatment. The medical team included consultant ophthalmologists and a vitreoretinal surgeon from both PIMS and Shifa International Eye Hospital, ensuring that the procedure was conducted with the highest level of expertise. Following the injection, Khan received detailed advice and necessary documentation to guide his ongoing care.
In response to the latest developments, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan stated that he had been informed about the successful completion of the follow-up procedure. He emphasized that the party’s stance aligns with the wishes of Khan’s family, advocating for the former prime minister’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for more advanced medical attention. Barrister Gohar also insisted that any future medical examinations should be conducted in the presence of Khan’s personal doctors to maintain transparency and build trust around his treatment.
Khan’s health has become a contentious issue amid the political tensions between the government and opposition forces, including PTI and the TTAP alliance. This controversy intensified following a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Khan’s legal team and the court’s amicus curiae, Barrister Salman Safdar. The report disclosed that Khan suffers from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye disorder that predominantly affects older adults and is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. The condition has severely impaired Khan’s vision, with the former premier reportedly losing approximately 85% of sight in his right eye.
Since his arrest in August 2023, Khan, now 73 years old, has faced multiple legal challenges following his ouster in a no-confidence vote in 2022. He has been convicted in several cases, which he and his supporters claim are politically motivated. Some of these convictions have been overturned or suspended, with ongoing appeals in process. Throughout this period, Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against him are part of a broader campaign to undermine his political career.
