A fresh medical board, consisting of five expert doctors and medical staff, has recently completed a comprehensive health evaluation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail. This examination was carried out under the explicit instructions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which had ordered a detailed assessment of the former prime minister’s medical condition while in custody.
The medical team conducted an extensive two-hour examination focusing primarily on Khan’s right eye, which has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This serious eye disorder occurs when the main vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes obstructed. Such a condition is often linked to underlying cardiovascular issues including hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and other heart-related ailments. The diagnosis was formally presented in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Khan’s legal counsel and the court’s amicus curiae, Salman Safdar.
the jail administration’s official statement, the Islamabad chief commissioner took the initiative to establish this new medical board specifically to evaluate the health status of the detained former prime minister. The panel includes distinguished specialists such as Professor Altaf Hussain, an ENT expert; Professor Akhtar Ali Bandesha, a cardiologist; Dr. Muhammad Ali Arif; and Professor Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, renowned for his expertise in ophthalmology. The board is expected to compile a detailed report on Khan’s health and submit it to the chief commissioner in the near future.
This development follows a recent directive from the Islamabad High Court, which had instructed the chief commissioner of the capital city to form a medical board to assess Khan’s condition. The court had earlier rejected a petition that sought to transfer the former prime minister to a private medical facility, specifically Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, for specialized eye treatment. The petition was reviewed by a division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro.
In its three-page ruling, the court emphasized the urgency of the medical board’s assessment and mandated that its recommendations be submitted promptly to the chief commissioner. Based on the findings, the chief commissioner will determine whether Khan’s treatment should continue within the prison premises or if he requires transfer to an external medical institution, all in accordance with applicable laws and prison regulations. The bench also underscored the importance of keeping Khan’s family informed about any serious developments concerning his health.
The court further clarified that the authority to transfer a convicted prisoner for specialized medical care lies with the government under the Pakistan Prison Rules. It noted that Section 561-A of the Criminal Procedure Code does not supersede the executive’s power to make such decisions. Additionally, the IHC reiterated that Khan must be allowed to maintain regular contact with his family and legal representatives, as previously ordered by a larger bench.
Prior to this latest examination, Imran Khan had been taken twice from Adiala jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for treatment related to his eye condition. His most recent hospital visit occurred on February 24 under tight security arrangements for a scheduled follow-up. This marked his second trip to PIMS since late January, where he is undergoing a course of injections to manage the CRVO. The next injection in this treatment regimen is anticipated on March 23.
These medical developments have attracted significant public and media attention, given Khan’s high-profile status and ongoing legal challenges. The formation of the new medical board and the court’s oversight reflect the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that the former prime minister receives appropriate medical care while detained. Observers continue to monitor the situation closely as the medical board prepares its comprehensive report.
