- The hospital says Imran came to Pims for a scheduled follow-up.
- Said the second intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF administered in the operating room.
- Said that the specialist committee carried out an examination before the procedure.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was on Tuesday shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad for a planned follow-up visit related to the treatment of his right eye.
The PTI founder was transferred for the second time to Pims Hospital under tight security from Adiala Prison for treatment of his affected eye after his first visit on January 24-25. Doctors had prescribed three injections for his eye care.
He was taken back to the prison after staying in the hospital for almost an hour, during which his heart condition was also checked, in addition to an eye exam. He reportedly received the third injection on March 23.
Before the operation, a committee of specialists carried out a detailed examination of his eye. A consultant cardiologist also performed an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram. Both tests showed normal heart function, according to a statement released by the hospital’s executive director.
Authorities confirmed that he had obtained informed consent before the treatment. The procedure was undertaken under the supervision of consultant ophthalmologists and a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon from Pims and Shifa International Eye Hospital.
Following preliminary assessments, the former prime minister received a second dose of an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection as part of ongoing care for his diagnosed eye problem, the hospital said in the statement.
The injection was administered in an operating room following established medical protocols and precautionary measures.
The procedure was performed as an outpatient surgery, allowing for discharge later in the day. Hospital officials said his vital signs remained stable throughout his stay, during the procedure and during the recovery period.
He was then released with follow-up counseling, necessary instructions and relevant medical documents.
SC Report
Imran’s health has emerged as the latest point of contention between the government and the opposition comprising the PTI and the TTAP alliance after a report submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyer and SC amicus curiae Salman Safdar.
The report revealed that the PTI founder was diagnosed with a serious eye disease known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
CRVO is a disorder that typically affects older adults and is linked to underlying cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
Additionally, the report said the former prime minister – imprisoned since August 2023 – complained of losing 85% of the vision in his right eye.
Imprisoned since August 2023
Imran, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 after convictions that he and his PTI say were politically motivated.
Since his ouster in 2022 in a vote of no confidence, he has faced numerous cases, including involving state gifts and an illegal marriage.
Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, and appeals are underway. He denies any wrongdoing.
The PTI came to power in 2018 and maintains a broad support base in key provinces.
For four days, PTI supporters blocked major highways connecting KP and Punjab, stranding thousands of vehicles and affecting fuel and food supplies in some areas.
