Pims says Imran Khan remained clinically stable during an overnight hospital visit in Islamabad, where specialists administered an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection before discharging him.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan underwent an eye treatment procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) after being transferred from Adiala jail to Islamabad during the night between November 10 and 11, the hospital administration confirmed Wednesday.
According to a press release issued by Pims, Khan was brought to the hospital on the advice of his treating ophthalmologist for a medical examination and follow-up eye treatment.
Before the procedure, doctors conducted a medical assessment, including an eye examination. His vital signs were normal, and he was found clinically stable, with a normal general physical examination, the hospital said.
Following informed consent and standard monitoring and precautionary measures, the ophthalmology team administered an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, a treatment used for certain retinal conditions.
The hospital administration said Khan remained medically stable before, during and after the procedure. He was discharged at approximately 2:30 a.m. with instructions for further care and follow-up.
Doctors examine blood pressure, eyesight and cholesterol
According to jail sources, doctors also conducted a comprehensive assessment of Khan’s health during his visit to Pims.
The medical team checked his blood pressure, eyesight and cholesterol levels and carried out several tests considered necessary to assess his condition.
Doctors also reviewed his previously prescribed medicines and recommended additional medication following the examination, the sources said.
Khan was subsequently taken back to Adiala jail under security arrangements.
The latest hospital visit follows earlier medical assessments by Pims specialists, including an examination conducted at Adiala jail in September. On September 20, a medical team led by Dr. Arif Khan, accompanied by an ophthalmologist, other specialist doctors and paramedical staff, examined the former prime minister inside the prison.
During that assessment, doctors checked his blood pressure, cholesterol and eyesight, with medical staff at the jail hospital assisting the visiting team.
Supreme Court had ordered hospital transfer
Khan’s medical treatment has also been the subject of proceedings before the Supreme Court, which on August 18 directed authorities to transfer him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the directions while hearing petitions concerning Khan’s medical treatment, access to personal physicians and meetings with family members.
The court said the medical information presented before it indicated a deterioration in Khan’s health and warranted an assessment by a multidisciplinary medical board.
The proposed board was to include an eye specialist, cardiologist and general medicine specialist, along with Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan.
The Supreme Court also directed authorities to provide Khan with his complete medical record, facilitate weekly meetings with his family and allow him to speak to his sons by telephone twice a week.
Pims examination followed security concerns
Despite the August 18 order, Khan was taken to Pims during the night of August 20 and 21 rather than Shifa International Hospital.
According to the government’s account, doctors from Shifa International were also present during the assessment at Pims. The medical team included an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician.
After the examination and necessary tests, Khan was returned to Adiala jail at approximately 5 a.m. on August 21. The government said he had been found medically fit.
Authorities attributed the decision to use Pims instead of Shifa International to security concerns, including the presence of PTI supporters outside the private hospital and along the route.
Legal proceedings over medical treatment
The implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions subsequently became part of a wider legal dispute.
On September 15, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) sought records of Khan’s hospital-transfer case from the Supreme Court while hearing petitions filed by three Adiala jail prisoners seeking permission to receive treatment at private hospitals.
A day later, the Supreme Court sought assistance from Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan on whether the FCC could exercise jurisdiction over a matter involving the apex court’s August 18 directions.
Awan maintained that the Supreme Court’s order remained in force while explaining the constitutional provisions governing the FCC’s authority to call for records from other courts.
The latest Pims examination comes amid continuing judicial scrutiny and concerns raised by Khan’s family and PTI over his health and medical treatment in custody.
However, the hospital has not officially disclosed the findings of the additional medical tests, the names of the additional medicines prescribed or whether further treatment has been recommended.
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