Imran Khan Undergoes Eye Procedure at Islamabad Hospital Before Jail Return
Pakistan's incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan was transported from jail to a hospital in the capital, Islamabad, on Tuesday for treatment of his eye ailment and subsequently shifted back, as confirmed by officials. The cricketer-turned-politician, who has been diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) affecting his vision, received medical attention at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Medical Details and Government Statement
The founder-chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was brought to PIMS for a second dose of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, following an initial treatment on January 24. According to a doctor, the procedure was conducted as a day-care surgery, with Khan's vitals remaining stable throughout. After the treatment, he was discharged with instructions for care and follow-up.
Parliamentary affairs minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that the government facilitated Khan's transfer to PIMS under strict security arrangements, fulfilling all legal and humanitarian requirements. In a social media post, Chaudhry noted that doctors observed improvement in eyesight after the first procedure, leading to the recommendation for a second one. He confirmed the successful completion of the process and Khan's return to jail after clearance from the medical team, with a third injection scheduled for March 24.
Family and PTI Demand Transparency
Meanwhile, Khan's family and the PTI have demanded transparency in his treatment, reiterating calls for him to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, a private facility in Islamabad, for what they describe as independent and transparent medical care. In a social media post, his sister, Aleema Khanum, expressed distrust in the diagnosis and test reports from government medical facilities, insisting that the family be informed before any medical procedures.
Khan has been lodged in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail since August 2023 following his conviction in a corruption case. He served as prime minister from August 2018 until his removal in April 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote brought by the opposition, during which he repeatedly alleged foreign involvement in his ouster.
