Imran Khan undergoes critical anti-VEGF procedure for severe eye condition

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was shifted from the Adiala jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) late last night for a specialised medical procedure to treat a serious eye condition, Aaj News reported.

The former prime minister received a second dose of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection as part of a pre-scheduled treatment plan. According to a PIMS hospital statement, the procedure was conducted as a day-care surgery in an operating theatre under the supervision of senior ophthalmologists and vitreoretinal surgeons.

Imran has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), a condition that has reportedly resulted in an 85% loss of vision in his right eye.

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On January 24–25, initial examination and administration of the first injection was conducted. Then, second dose was successfully administered on February 23. Tentative date for the third and final injection of the current course is March 23.

Hospital authorities confirmed that Imran’s condition remains stable and he was shifted back to the Adiala jail under heavy security following the completion of the procedure.

PTI demands transparency, private care

Following the treatment, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan confirmed the follow-up but expressed concerns over the lack of independent oversight.

“We demand that future medical examinations be conducted in the presence of his personal physicians to maintain transparency,” Barrister Gohar stated. He further urged the authorities to transfer the PTI founder to Shifa International Hospital, arguing that the party remains dissatisfied with the current arrangements at state-run facilities.

Medical experts note that CRVO is a complex condition often linked to systemic health issues such as hypertension and cardiovascular health, necessitating consistent and high-level specialised monitoring.

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has condemned the medical examination and procedure performed on the PTI founder under the cover of night without the presence of his family or personal physicians.

The party stated that this action not only reflects a lack of transparency but is also a blatant violation of the fundamental human and legal rights of a former prime minister and national leader. It asserted that every detainee, particularly a former elected premier, possesses the right to have family members and trusted personal doctors present during medical examinations and treatment to ensure transparency, trust, and proper medical oversight.

The TTAP further clarified that neither the party leadership was taken into confidence nor was any prior notice provided regarding this process. Specifically, the movement noted that senior leadership, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, was kept in the dark and had no prior knowledge of this move.