ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent his fourth intravitreal eye injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Tuesday as part of a scheduled follow-up treatment, with hospital officials confirming he remained clinically stable throughout the procedure.
According to a medical update released by Pims, Khan—currently incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail—was transported to the hospital for the fourth dose of the injection as part of his ongoing eye care regimen.
Clinical Assessment Shows Improvement
Before the procedure, ophthalmologists examined Khan and found him clinically stable. An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan further revealed signs of clinical improvement, the hospital reported.
Following informed consent and under standard monitoring protocols, surgeons administered the injection under microscopic guidance in the operating theater, adhering to all precautionary measures, the statement said.
Day-Care Procedure Successful
Pims confirmed the procedure was performed as a day-care surgery, with Khan remaining vitally stable before, during, and after the treatment. He was subsequently discharged with instructions for further care, follow-up advice, and relevant medical documentation.
Tuesday’s injection marks the latest phase in his eye treatment. He was previously transferred to the hospital from Adiala jail on March 23, where he received the third dose following a comprehensive examination.
Diagnosed with Serious Eye Condition
The jailed PTI founder was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition, according to a submitted to the Supreme by his lawyer and the court’s amicus curiae, Salman Safdar.
CRVO occurs when the main vein draining blood from the retina becomes blocked and is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
Health Becomes Political Flashpoint
Khan’s health has emerged as a contentious issue between the government and the opposition, comprising PTI the TTAP alliance. A report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that Khan, 73, has lost 85% of the vision in his right eye.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 after convictions he and his party, PTI, describe as politically motivated. Since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in 2022, he has faced multiple cases, including those related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. He denies any wrongdoing.
