ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has recently undergone a significant medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to address his ongoing eye condition. On Monday, hospital officials confirmed that the third anti-VEGF injection was administered successfully, with doctors reporting satisfactory vision following a comprehensive evaluation of his eye health.
The procedure took place in a fully equipped operation theatre, adhering strictly to medical protocols and precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the 73-year-old political leader. Imran Khan was admitted to the hospital with his consent, highlighting the cooperative approach taken by both the medical team and the patient during this phase of treatment.
Following the injection, a specialized medical board conducted a detailed assessment of Khan’s eyesight. The team expressed satisfaction with the current state of his vision, noting that the former premier remained stable throughout the procedure. After the treatment was completed, he was discharged from the hospital the same day, marking another step forward in his ongoing battle with a serious eye ailment.
It is worth noting that this latest intervention is part of a series of treatments that began when Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala jail to PIMS on February 24. At that time, he received his second dose of the anti-VEGF injection after a thorough medical examination. Cardiological tests, including echocardiography and electrocardiogram, were also performed, all yielding normal and stable results. This comprehensive approach underscores the seriousness with which his health is being monitored.
In a related development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had earlier directed the formation of a new medical board to evaluate Khan’s health condition. This five-member team, comprising 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, carried out an extensive two-hour examination of the former prime minister’s affected eye at Adiala jail on March 18. Their findings have been instrumental in guiding the ongoing treatment plan.
The medical challenges faced by Imran Khan stem from a diagnosis of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a severe eye disorder that occurs when the primary vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked. This condition is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and heart disease. a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Khan’s legal team and the court’s amicus curiae, Barrister Salman Safdar, the PTI leader has suffered a significant loss of vision, reportedly losing 85% of sight in his right eye.
Since his incarceration in August 2023, following various convictions that he and his supporters claim are politically motivated, Imran Khan’s health has become a focal point of political debate and public concern. His detention followed his ousting from office in a no-confidence vote in 2022, after which he has faced multiple legal challenges, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. While some of these convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals remain pending.
Meanwhile, the ongoing medical evaluations and treatments at PIMS reflect the complex intersection of health and politics in Pakistan. The government and opposition parties, including PTI and the TTAP alliance, have frequently clashed over the former premier’s condition and the adequacy of medical care provided during his imprisonment. The latest developments at PIMS add another chapter to this unfolding story, as the nation watches closely.
