- The PTI leader was brought to Pims with his consent, say hospital authorities.
- Anti-VEGF injection administered as part of ophthalmological treatment: Hospital.
- Procedure carried out according to strict medical protocols in the operating room: Pims.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan underwent third eye surgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where doctors declared his vision satisfactory after a detailed examination, hospital authorities said on Monday.
The former prime minister was taken to hospital with his consent, where he received a third anti-VEGF injection as part of his ongoing treatment, according to a statement released by the hospital administration.
The procedure was carried out in an operating room following strict medical protocols and precautionary measures, he added.
A medical committee assessed his condition after the procedure and was satisfied with his vision, the hospital said. Officials pointed out that the PTI leader remained stable throughout and was released soon after treatment.
Monday’s procedure marks the final phase of his eye care. He had already been transferred to the hospital from Adiala prison on February 24, when he received the second dose after a thorough examination.
At the time, cardiology tests, including an echocardiogram and an EKG, showed normal results and he was declared medically stable, according to an earlier statement.
On March 18, his medical examination was conducted by a newly formed committee comprising five doctors and staff of Adiala Prison, following the directions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Earlier this month, the IHC ordered the capital’s chief commissioner to constitute a medical board to assess his health condition, while rejecting a petition seeking his transfer to a private hospital.
The jailed PTI founder was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye disease, according to a report submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyer and amicus curiae of the court, Salman Safdar.
This disease occurs when the main vein draining blood from the retina is blocked and is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.
Sources said the medical team, comprising five doctors and supporting medical staff, carried out a two-hour in-depth assessment during which they examined the affected eye of the PTI founder.
The team includes ENT specialist Prof Altaf Hussain, cardiologist Prof Akhtar Ali Bandesha, Dr Muhammad Ali Arif and Prof Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Eye Hospital.
SC Report
The PTI founder’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.
Khan, 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.
