Imran’s personal doctor reports possible medical condition underlying eye problem

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s personal physician Dr Asim Yousaf on Friday expressed grave concern over the health of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, saying there could be an underlying medical condition behind his reported eye problem.

Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence in Adiala Prison in a £190 million corruption case. Additionally, he faces ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests. The PTI has in recent days expressed concern over Imran’s health condition, alleging that prison authorities and the government were obstructing treatment of a “serious eye disease” and demanding immediate medical attention.

Opposition leaders also raised the issue and protested against reports that Imran was shifted to hospital without informing his family and the party leadership. The government has since confirmed that the former prime minister was briefly taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

In a video message, Dr Yousaf – who is also the chief medical officer of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital – said that for several days, rumors were circulating across Pakistan and abroad about Imran Imran’s eye problems.

“Two days ago, government sources confirmed that Khan did indeed have an eye problem, and on Saturday – that is, six days ago – he was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad where treatment was provided to his eye,” he said.

Learn more: Family must decide whether Imran’s treatment is ‘satisfactory’ or not: PTI’s Salman Akram Raja

Dr. Yousaf added that, unfortunately, no further details have been shared regarding the nature of the illness. “We don’t know exactly what happened to his eye, what tests were carried out or what treatment was given. Until now, the nature of the disease has not been clarified,” he said.

Describing the situation as serious, he said his condition required specialized medical attention. “Not all ophthalmologists can treat this. Only specialists with sub-specialty training and experience in retinal diseases usually take care of such cases,” he said, adding that PIMS Hospital did not have doctors with this specific expertise.

He further noted that these eye conditions are often linked to underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, or a hypercoagulable state – a condition in which blood clots excessively and inappropriately in blood vessels. He said proper investigations and treatment for these conditions were also needed.

Dr Yousaf said he received a call from PTI general secretary Salman Akram Raja who informed him that permission could be granted by Thursday evening to meet and review the former prime minister. Following this, he contacted Lahore-based eye surgeon Dr Khurram Azam, who received specialist training in retinal diseases in the UK, and both visited Adiala Prison.

Read: Imran’s ‘hospital admission’ worries PTI

“At 11 p.m. we arrived there, but unfortunately we were not allowed there and we could not examine Khan,” he said, adding that they returned after it became clear that no meeting would take place.

Dr Yousaf also refuted allegations circulating on social media of mistreatment by the prison administration, including reports that they were forced to stand in the cold for 12 hours. “None of this happened,” he said, clarifying that neither he nor others had said the PTI founder required prolonged hospitalization.

“However, we have said that this is a disease that lasts a long time, sometimes two to three years, and requires regular monitoring. The treatment may need to be repeated more than once, and the investigations and care will need to be carried out in a hospital setting,” he explained.

Dr Yousaf called on authorities to ensure transparency regarding the former prime minister’s health, calling for clear communication on the diagnosis, tests carried out, treatment provided and follow-up plan.

Reiterating the need for a retina specialist, he said the condition was potentially serious. “Every Pakistani has the right to receive high-quality medical care, and this right should clearly be available to Imran Khan Sahab as well,” he said, personally urging the government to allow him to be involved in the PTI founder’s ongoing medical care whenever and wherever doctors are allowed to visit him.

Read: Govt downplays ‘non-issue’ as PTI writes to rights organizations over Imran’s condition