Bushra Bibi, spouse of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was transferred back to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi following eye surgery to treat a retinal detachment. The former first lady had reported vision problems in her right eye, prompting jail authorities to arrange an urgent ophthalmological examination.
Medical professionals confirmed the retinal detachment and recommended immediate surgery. On the evening of April 16, Bushra was admitted to a private hospital in Rawalpindi where pre-operative assessments were conducted. After obtaining her consent, the surgery was performed by Dr. Nadeem Qureshi and a team of specialists. She stayed overnight at the hospital before being discharged and returned to Adiala jail.
Her condition is currently stable, with post-surgery follow-ups planned medical advice. Subsequently, her family members, including her daughter, son-in-law, and sister-in-law, were permitted to visit her at the prison. Mariam Riaz Watto, Bushra’s sister, had earlier informed that the family was called to the hospital where Bushra’s daughters were also present, and that the surgery was part of her treatment.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed Bushra’s hospitalization, noting the party was informed of her transfer to the medical facility on Thursday night. He called for immediate family access for both Imran Khan and his wife and reiterated demands for the former prime minister to be moved to a hospital for urgent care. Gohar emphasized that family visits and medical treatment are fundamental rights under the law, adding that the health conditions of both are serious and of national concern.
Bushra Bibi was arrested in January 2025 after being convicted in a case involving misuse of authority and corruption linked to Al-Qadir University. In December 2025, a special court sentenced both her and Imran Khan to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-2 case, related to the underpriced purchase of luxury state gifts.
Imran Khan, aged 73, has been held at Adiala jail since August 2023, facing multiple charges including corruption and terrorism. His incarceration has been a contentious issue between PTI and the government, with ongoing disputes over his medical treatment and family visitations. Legal submissions to the Supreme Court, including by amicus curiae Salman Safdar, reveal Khan suffers from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition that can cause partial or complete vision loss due to blockage in the main retinal vein. This condition is associated with cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Khan has reported losing approximately 85% of vision in his right eye. Medical records show he has undergone several eye treatments at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), including anti-VEGF intravitreal injections to reduce retinal swelling. His hospital visits have also included cardiology evaluations, which have deemed him medically stable. His most recent hospital visit was in March for a third eye procedure, after which doctors found his vision satisfactory.
A multidisciplinary medical board of five specialists, including cardiology, ENT, and ophthalmology experts, conducted a two-hour evaluation of Khan at Adiala jail under instructions from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Although the IHC directed the chief commissioner of Islamabad to form a medical board to monitor his health, petitions requesting his transfer to a private hospital have been denied.
Access to Khan remains restricted, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirming a ban on meetings with the former prime minister has been in place since December 2025. Notably, PTI had planned a rally in April to demand Khan’s release but postponed it due to ongoing diplomatic efforts in Islamabad related to the US-Iran peace process.
