ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder ImranKhan underwent a medical procedure for a serious eye ailment at thePakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital following recommendationsfrom specialists who examined him in Adiala Jail.
Reports indicate he experienced reduced vision in his right eye forapproximately two weeks, prompting repeated requests to jail staff forattention. Initial dismissal by prison personnel led to intervention by ajunior doctor, who deemed the issue beyond basic care, resulting in PIMSophthalmologists being summoned. They diagnosed central retinal veinocclusion and insisted on hospital-based treatment to avert permanentvision loss.
The condition, known as central retinal vein occlusion, involves a blockagein the retinal vein that can impair blood flow and cause blurred vision ormore severe damage if untreated promptly. Medical experts emphasize thatsuch ailments require specialized facilities, including operation theatresfor interventions like anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. Khan, aged 74,reportedly informed staff multiple times about the blurring but faceddelays until external doctors assessed the urgency. This sequencehighlights ongoing debates over medical access for high-profile inmates inPakistan’s prison system.
According to accounts from PTI sources and family-linked claims, includingthose attributed to Bushra Bibi’s interactions, Khan conveyed details ofhis deteriorating eyesight during a recent meeting facilitated within theprison environment. Bushra Bibi, his wife, reportedly relayed that he hadbeen experiencing symptoms for weeks, with jail authorities initiallyresistant to transferring him outside. PIMS doctors, upon examination,maintained that in-jail treatment was inadequate and pressed for immediatehospital transfer, eventually prevailing despite opposition from prisonstaff.
The transfer occurred late on January 24 under heightened securitymeasures, with the procedure lasting approximately 20 minutes. PIMSExecutive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander confirmed theintervention was completed smoothly, with Khan remaining vitally stablethroughout. An anti-VEGF injection was administered after obtaining thepatient’s written consent, following comprehensive assessments includingslit-lamp examination, funduscopy, intraocular pressure checks, and opticalcoherence tomography scans. Post-procedure care instructions and follow-upadvice were provided before his return to Adiala Jail.
Government officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar,described the episode as routine medical attention available to allprisoners. Tarar noted that eye specialists first evaluated Khan at thejail, recommended the shift to PIMS for a minor process, and affirmed hishealth remained good afterward. This stance contrasts with PTI assertionsof secrecy, as the party criticized the lack of prior notification tofamily, legal counsel, or leadership, terming it an act of malice anddemanding access to independent physicians.
PTI raised alarms earlier about the risk of permanent eyesight damage,citing credible reports of the diagnosis and insisting jail facilitiescould not adequately address the condition. The party highlighted thatdelayed or improper care for central retinal vein occlusion carriessignificant long-term implications, including irreversible visionimpairment. Such concerns have fueled broader discussions on prisonerrights, particularly for political figures facing multiple sentences since2023.
Recent updates indicate Khan’s full recovery remains under monitoring.Bushra Bibi, permitted a family meeting after months, reportedly confirmedthrough party channels that his health was not entirely restored. If propercare is not taken and some kind of infection develops then Khan may undergopermenant blindness. This development follows prolonged restrictions onmeetings and external medical consultations, intensifying calls from PTIfor transparent health protocols in custody.
The episode underscores persistent tensions between the government andopposition regarding the treatment of incarcerated leaders. Whileauthorities maintain procedures were followed professionally, critics pointto the initial reluctance and secretive nature of the transfer as evidenceof inadequate safeguards. International standards, including UN guidelineson prisoner health, stress timely and appropriate care without undue delays.
Pakistan’s judicial and prison systems have faced scrutiny over handlinghigh-profile cases, with health complaints often becoming politicized.Khan’s situation exemplifies these challenges, as allegations of neglectalternate with official reassurances of stability. Ongoing follow-up atPIMS will be crucial to prevent complications from the retinal issue.
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