Imran Khan Eye Treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has sparked fresh controversy as the PTI objected to the government’s “secrecy” regarding his care. The former prime minister reportedly underwent a follow-up procedure for a right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in the early hours of Tuesday, February 24.
PTI has demanded that Imran Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for treatment under the supervision of his personal physicians and family members to ensure transparency.
PTI Criticizes Secrecy Around Imran Khan Eye Treatment
The PTI’s official X account posted: “The situation demands transparency, not secrecy.” Party officials shared a video of a convoy passing through at night, suggesting Imran Khan was transported to PIMS for the second dose of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection.
The opposition party has criticized the government for allegedly denying access to personal physicians and failing to notify family members, which they argue violates both legal and cultural norms.
PTI leaders have also highlighted the need for transparent medical care for former leaders, with a clear mechanism to avoid misinformation. Read more about the May 9 incidents and PTI politics here.
Family Voices Concerns Over Medical Care
Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, expressed skepticism about the treatment and reports coming from government hospitals:
“We do not trust the diagnosis or test reports from government medical facilities. From the news, we found out that Imran Khan was taken to PIMS again in the middle of the night.”
She insisted that all treatments should be conducted in the presence of personal physicians at Shifa International to ensure credibility. Aleema claimed that doctors at PIMS were being pressured to remain silent about his condition.
Former PTI MNA Omar Ayub Khan also condemned the lack of personal physician presence, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to intervene.
Government’s Explanation on Imran Khan Eye Treatment
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the government’s actions, stating that the nighttime procedure was scheduled for security and operational reasons. A medical board of specialists—including Dr. Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Eye Hospital and Prof. Arif of PIMS Ophthalmology Department—examined Imran Khan, conducting a detailed ophthalmological, cardiac, and general health assessment.
Tarar emphasized that procedures were carried out according to the law and jail manual, and that release, bail, or foreign travel decisions fall under court jurisdiction. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed a third injection is planned on March 24, following improvement after the first two doses.
Learn about intravitreal injections and anti-VEGF treatments.
Family and PTI Leaders Denied Access
PTI members, including Aleema Khanum, Noreen Niazi, and Uzma Khanum, attempted to visit Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on court-mandated days but were reportedly stopped by police. The party described the government’s approach as “non-transparent” and a violation of fundamental rights.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai highlighted that both family and party leaders were unaware of the PIMS visit, arguing that medical decisions should always involve family consent, even if legally permitted otherwise.
Second Visit at PIMS
A PIMS doctor confirmed that Imran Khan’s second dose of anti-VEGF injection was administered as a day care procedure with standard monitoring. A board of specialist doctors examined him prior to the procedure, including cardiology and ophthalmology assessments. The patient remained stable throughout the treatment and was discharged back to Adiala Jail after observation.
Security at PIMS was reportedly heightened, with the procedure conducted between 11:30 pm and 1:30 am to minimize disruption and maintain confidentiality.
Imran Khan Eye Treatment Sparks Calls for Independent Oversight
Both PTI and TTAP continue to demand that Imran Khan receive care at Shifa International Hospital in the presence of personal doctors and family members. Leaders argue that proper oversight would prevent doubts over the accuracy of medical reports and restore public confidence.
The controversy has triggered protests outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan by TTAP members, demanding immediate scheduling of Imran Khan’s cases and transparency in medical care.
Read more about Imran Khan’s political and legal battles here.
FAQs
Q1: What is Imran Khan Eye Treatment?
It refers to the anti-VEGF intravitreal injection administered at PIMS to treat his right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
Q2: Why was the procedure controversial?
PTI and family members allege secrecy, lack of personal physician access, and inadequate transparency during treatment.
Q3: When is the next procedure?
A third injection is scheduled for March 24, 2026, as per doctors’ advice.
Q4: Where does PTI want Imran Khan treated?
They insist on Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under the supervision of personal doctors and family.
