Islamabad witnessed another significant development in the ongoing health saga of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan as he underwent a third eye treatment procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Monday. Hospital officials confirmed that following a comprehensive evaluation, medical experts declared his eyesight to be stable and satisfactory, providing some relief amid growing concerns about his condition.
The former premier was admitted to PIMS with his consent, where he received a third dose of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection, a critical part of his continuing treatment plan for a serious eye ailment. This procedure was meticulously conducted in a fully equipped operation theatre, adhering to stringent medical protocols and precautionary measures to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. The hospital administration emphasized that throughout the process, Imran Khan remained in a stable condition and was discharged shortly after the treatment was completed.
This latest intervention marks a continuation of the specialized care he has been receiving since his transfer from Adiala jail on February 24. At that time, he was administered his second anti-VEGF injection following a detailed medical examination. Alongside his eye treatment, cardiology assessments including echocardiography and electrocardiogram tests were performed, all of which indicated normal heart function and overall medical stability. These evaluations were part of a broader health monitoring effort to address his complex medical needs while in custody.
Further medical scrutiny was carried out on March 18 when a newly constituted medical board, comprising five doctors and healthcare staff, completed a thorough check-up at Adiala jail. This move came under the directive of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which had earlier instructed the formation of a specialized medical panel to closely monitor the former prime minister’s health. Notably, the IHC rejected a petition that sought his transfer to a private hospital, underscoring the government’s position on his medical care arrangements.
Imran Khan’s eye condition, diagnosed as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), has been a focal point of concern and discussion. This serious disorder occurs when the main vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The diagnosis was detailed in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by his legal team and the court’s amicus curiae, Barrister Salman Safdar. The report highlighted that the 73-year-old former leader has suffered a significant loss of vision, with approximately 85% impairment in his right eye.
The medical team overseeing his care includes renowned specialists such as ENT expert Professor Altaf Hussain, cardiologist Professor Akhtar Ali Bandesha, Dr. Muhammad Ali Arif, and Professor Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Eye Hospital. Together, they conducted an exhaustive two-hour examination of Khan’s affected eye, ensuring a detailed assessment to guide ongoing treatment decisions.
Imran Khan’s health has become a contentious issue, intensifying the political divide between the ruling government and the opposition alliance formed by PTI and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Azadi March (TTAP). The medical report submitted to the Supreme Court has added fuel to this debate, with opposition parties demanding better medical facilities and transparency regarding his condition. Since his incarceration in August 2023, following convictions he and his supporters claim are politically motivated, Khan’s health has remained under close public and judicial scrutiny.
Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, Imran Khan has faced numerous legal challenges, including cases related to state gifts and allegations of unlawful marriage. While some of these convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals are still pending. Throughout this turbulent period, Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against him are part of a broader political vendetta.
