In compliance with the Islamabad High Court’s recent directives, a newly constituted medical board has completed a comprehensive health evaluation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala jail. This development comes amid growing concerns over Khan’s deteriorating eye condition, which has drawn significant public and legal attention in recent weeks.
The medical team, comprising five specialist doctors alongside supporting medical staff, 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 ophthalmic condition involves the blockage of the main vein responsible for draining blood from the retina, often linked to underlying cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and heart disease. The diagnosis was previously submitted to the Supreme Court through Khan’s legal representation and the court’s amicus curiae, Salman Safdar.
an official statement released by the jail administration, the Islamabad chief commissioner took the initiative to assemble this new medical board to ensure a detailed and impartial health assessment of the 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 submit a comprehensive report outlining their findings and recommendations to the chief commissioner in the near future.
It is worth noting that this medical evaluation follows a directive issued last week by a division bench of the Islamabad High Court, led by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. The court had rejected a petition seeking Khan’s transfer to a private medical facility, specifically Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, for specialized eye treatment. Instead, the court ordered the formation of a medical board to assess his health condition within the prison premises. The bench emphasized that the chief commissioner would make the final decision regarding any potential transfer based on the medical board’s report, in accordance with existing laws and prison regulations.
Furthermore, the court underscored the importance of keeping Khan’s family informed about his health status, mandating that Dr. Qureshi maintain regular communication with them. The judges also reaffirmed the former prime minister’s right to continue meeting with his legal counsel and family members, as previously directed by a larger bench. This ensures that despite his incarceration, Khan’s access to legal and familial support remains uninterrupted.
In a related development, Imran Khan has been taken twice to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad from Adiala jail for treatment of his eye condition. His most recent hospital visit occurred on February 24 under strict security arrangements for a scheduled follow-up examination. This marked his second trip to PIMS since late January, where he has been receiving a series of injections as part of his treatment regimen. The next injection is anticipated on March 23, highlighting the ongoing nature of his medical care.
Meanwhile, the situation continues to attract significant public interest, with many closely monitoring the developments surrounding Khan’s health and legal status. The formation of the new medical board and its forthcoming report are expected to play a crucial role in determining the course of his treatment and possible hospital transfer in the coming days.
