Imran Khan Under Deteriorated Health Conditions in Adiala Jail

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan underwent a medical procedure for a serious eye ailment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital following recommendations from specialists who examined him in Adiala Jail.

Reports indicate he experienced reduced vision in his right eye for approximately two weeks, prompting repeated requests to jail staff for attention. Initial dismissal by prison personnel led to intervention by a junior doctor, who deemed the issue beyond basic care, resulting in PIMS ophthalmologists being summoned. They diagnosed central retinal vein occlusion and insisted on hospital-based treatment to avert permanent vision loss.

The condition, known as central retinal vein occlusion, involves a blockage in the retinal vein that can impair blood flow and cause blurred vision or more severe damage if untreated promptly. Medical experts emphasize that such ailments require specialized facilities, including operation theatres for interventions like anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. Khan, aged 74, reportedly informed staff multiple times about the blurring but faced delays until external doctors assessed the urgency. This sequence highlights ongoing debates over medical access for high-profile inmates in Pakistan's prison system.

According to accounts from PTI sources and family-linked claims, including those attributed to Bushra Bibi's interactions, Khan conveyed details of his deteriorating eyesight during a recent meeting facilitated within the prison environment. Bushra Bibi, his wife, reportedly relayed that he had been experiencing symptoms for weeks, with jail authorities initially resistant to transferring him outside. PIMS doctors, upon examination, maintained that in-jail treatment was inadequate and pressed for immediate hospital transfer, eventually prevailing despite opposition from prison staff.

The transfer occurred late on January 24 under heightened security measures, with the procedure lasting approximately 20 minutes. PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander confirmed the intervention was completed smoothly, with Khan remaining vitally stable throughout. An anti-VEGF injection was administered after obtaining the patient's written consent, following comprehensive assessments including slit-lamp examination, funduscopy, intraocular pressure checks, and optical coherence tomography scans. Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up advice were provided before his return to Adiala Jail.

Government officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, described the episode as routine medical attention available to all prisoners. Tarar noted that eye specialists first evaluated Khan at the jail, recommended the shift to PIMS for a minor process, and affirmed his health remained good afterward. This stance contrasts with PTI assertions of secrecy, as the party criticized the lack of prior notification to family, legal counsel, or leadership, terming it an act of malice and demanding access to independent physicians.

PTI raised alarms earlier about the risk of permanent eyesight damage, citing credible reports of the diagnosis and insisting jail facilities could not adequately address the condition. The party highlighted that delayed or improper care for central retinal vein occlusion carries significant long-term implications, including irreversible vision impairment. Such concerns have fueled broader discussions on prisoner rights, particularly for political figures facing multiple sentences since 2023.

Recent updates indicate Khan's full recovery remains under monitoring. Bushra Bibi, permitted a family meeting after months, reportedly confirmed through party channels that his health was not entirely restored. If proper care is not taken and some kind of infection develops then Khan may undergo permenant blindness. This development follows prolonged restrictions on meetings and external medical consultations, intensifying calls from PTI for transparent health protocols in custody.

The episode underscores persistent tensions between the government and opposition regarding the treatment of incarcerated leaders. While authorities maintain procedures were followed professionally, critics point to the initial reluctance and secretive nature of the transfer as evidence of inadequate safeguards. International standards, including UN guidelines on prisoner health, stress timely and appropriate care without undue delays.

Pakistan's judicial and prison systems have faced scrutiny over handling high-profile cases, with health complaints often becoming politicized. Khan's situation exemplifies these challenges, as allegations of neglect alternate with official reassurances of stability. Ongoing follow-up at PIMS will be crucial to prevent complications from the retinal issue.

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