Imran Khan Receives Sixth Eye Injection at PIMS
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan received his sixth intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The treatment took place during the early hours of Wednesday. PIMS confirmed the procedure in a press release.
Hospital Statement on His Condition
Imran was brought from Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. He came for a medical check-up and follow-up eye treatment as advised by his eye doctor.
Before the procedure, he underwent a medical examination, including an ocular assessment. His vital signs were normal. He was clinically stable, and his general physical examination was normal.
During his stay at PIMS, he remained stable before, during, and after the procedure. He was discharged at approximately 2:30am. He remained at PIMS for around 40 to 50 minutes before being transferred back to Adiala Jail.
About His Eye Condition
Imran has been receiving anti-VEGF injections in his right eye as part of treatment for right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This condition affects blood flow through the retina. It was diagnosed after he reported reduced vision in his right eye.
He received his first injection at PIMS on January 24.
PTI's Reaction to the Transfer
PTI spokesperson Waqas Akram criticized what he called a "secretive midnight transfer." He demanded that Imran be immediately taken to Shifa International Hospital. He also asked for unrestricted access for Imran's family and personal doctors, and full transparency about his medical condition.
Waqas Akram questioned why a former prime minister's hospital transfer and medical status are being kept secret. He said Imran's family, legal representatives, and personal doctors continue to be denied access.
He warned that Imran's health cannot be treated as a state secret. He said keeping his family in the dark and blocking his doctors from examining him raises serious questions about the government's motives.
Health Concerns Raised by PTI
Waqas Akram pointed to an affidavit by Barrister Salman Safdar. It disclosed repeated severe blood pressure spikes reaching 160, 170, and 192. This raised fears of life-threatening complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
He said these readings required immediate specialist attention and continuous care supervised by Imran's personal doctors.
He drew a parallel to the death of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in custody. He warned that political rivalry, imprisonment, or medical neglect must not endanger a political leader's life.
PTI also expressed concern over the rapid deterioration of Bushra Bibi's eyesight in custody. The party demanded immediate medical access for both Khan and his wife.
Legal Background
The development came a day after Imran's sister, Uzma Khan, moved the Supreme Court. She sought an early hearing of the case concerning his transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital.
The issue dates back to August 18. The Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer Imran from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for specialized medical treatment. However, he was taken to PIMS instead and returned to jail after a medical examination.
PTI later filed a contempt petition, alleging that authorities failed to implement the court's order.
Previous Eye Treatment History
In late January, Imran was first taken to the hospital for a minor eye procedure. Five days later, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said doctors at PIMS examined his eyes and carried out a minor medical procedure after obtaining his written consent. It lasted around 20 minutes.
PIMS confirmed that Imran was given an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection to treat right central retinal vein occlusion.
In February, a report by Barrister Safdar said Imran told officials that his right eye was working at only 15 percent capacity. The Supreme Court then ordered that Imran be allowed access to his personal physicians in Adiala Jail. It also allowed him telephone contact with his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman.
Later, a medical board reported improvement in his eyesight and did not recommend shifting him to a hospital. His vision in the right eye improved from 6/36 to 6/9. His left eye had 6/6 vision with glasses. The assessment was done by Dr Nadeem Qureshi and Dr Arif at Adiala jail.
In March, PIMS said Imran showed significant improvement after his second dose. The third dose was given on March 23.
His fourth injection was given at PIMS on April 28, 2026. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan before the procedure showed clinical improvement. His fifth injection was given on June 15. Doctors again reported improvement in his eye condition.
Bushra Bibi's Health
Imran's wife, Bushra Bibi, underwent a medical examination at Adiala in March after complaining of pain in her right eye. She was examined by Dr Muhammad Arif Khan, head of the ophthalmology department at PIMS.
The report said she had blurred vision and black spots in her right eye. She also reported seeing flashes in the dark and suffering from headaches.
She was diagnosed with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in her right eye. The report also identified myopia and astigmatism. She was prescribed eye drops and medication, along with glasses. She was advised a follow-up check-up after four weeks.
Bushra Bibi then underwent eye surgery on the evening of April 16.
Background on Jail Sentences
Imran and Bushra Bibi remain in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They were sentenced on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case. The case involves allegations that the couple unlawfully kept a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Imran has been in custody since August 2023. He is serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with protests on May 9, 2023.
