ISLAMABAD — The Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr. Rana Imran Sikander, confirmed on Friday, January 30, 2026, that incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent a specialized eye procedure following a diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye.
Medical Assessment and Diagnosis
- Initial Complaint: Mr. Khan, 74, reported significantly reduced vision in his right eye while in Adiala Jail.
- Diagnostic Steps: A senior ophthalmologist from PIMS was dispatched to the prison to conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Fundoscopy and Slit-lamp evaluation.
- Intraocular pressure measurement.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the retina.
- The Findings: Doctors identified a blockage in the central retinal vein (CRVO), a condition where blood flow from the retina is obstructed, leading to swelling and potential vision loss if left untreated.
Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan hasn’t seen any visitors in more than five weeks, according to his party.https://t.co/SaK05sDcix
— FatBatman (@janaan99) January 31, 2026
The Procedure at PIMS
Acting on medical advice, the former premier was moved under tight security from Adiala Jail to PIMS on the night of Saturday, January 24.
- Nature of Treatment: According to hospital reports, an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection was administered. This treatment is standard for CRVO to reduce macular edema (swelling) and prevent the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels.
- Duration: The procedure took approximately 20 minutes.
- Condition: Dr. Sikander stated that Mr. Khan remained vitally stable throughout the intervention and provided informed consent after being fully briefed on the treatment plan.
Political and Legal Friction
Despite the hospital’s “smooth” report, the incident has sparked intense political debate:
- PTI’s Stance: The party has expressed deep skepticism over the “secrecy” of the transfer, labeling it a violation of fundamental rights as family members and personal physicians were not informed beforehand.
- Supreme Court Intervention: Following a day-long sit-in by PTI leaders outside the Supreme Court on Friday, the government has agreed to share a sealed medical report with Mr. Khan and a copy with his family.
- Expert Concerns: Dr. Asim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, noted that while the procedure is standard, CRVO often indicates underlying issues (such as hypertension) and requires long-term follow-up—sometimes spanning 2 to 3 years.
Understanding CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion)
| Feature | Description |
| The Cause | A blood clot or pressure blocking the main vein that carries blood away from the retina. |
| Symptoms | Sudden or gradual blurred vision or “floaters” in one eye. |
| Risk Factors | High blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and cardiovascular disease. |
| Standard Care | Regular anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy to manage pressure and swelling. |
The medical report is expected to be delivered to the Niazi family today.
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