Islamabad: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan received his fourth intravitreal eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Tuesday as part of his continuous follow-up care. Hospital officials confirmed that Khan remained clinically stable throughout the procedure.
Khan, who is currently held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, was transported to Pims to receive this scheduled dose in his ongoing eye treatment regimen. Prior to the injection, ophthalmologists conducted a thorough examination and noted clinical stability, while an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan indicated signs of improvement.
In a significant development, after obtaining informed consent and under strict monitoring, the injection was administered by surgeons using microscopic guidance in the operation theatre. All standard precautionary protocols were meticulously followed during the day-care surgery. Khan’s vital signs remained stable before, during, and after the procedure, after which he was discharged with instructions for further care and follow-up visits.
This latest injection marks another step in managing his diagnosed eye condition. Previously, Khan was admitted to Pims on March 23 for his third dose, following a comprehensive medical evaluation. Earlier, on March 18, a newly formed medical board of five doctors and staff conducted a detailed examination at Adiala jail, as directed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
He has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious disorder where the main vein draining blood from the retina is blocked. This condition is frequently 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 Khan’s lawyer and the court’s amicus curiae, Salman Safdar.
Notably, Khan has reported losing approximately 85% of vision in his right eye. At 73 years old, the former premier has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions he and his party deem politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, he has faced multiple legal challenges, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals ongoing. Khan continues to deny all charges against him.
