Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, was transferred from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Tuesday due to worsening eye health. This move followed serious concerns regarding his vision, prompting extraordinary security measures during the transfer. Khan, who leads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was escorted in a convoy of fifteen black vehicles, which included signal jammers and heavy security personnel.

At PIMS, a specialized medical team administered a second intravitreal anti-VEGF injection designed to treat retinal disorders and preserve eyesight. Prior to this ophthalmic procedure, a medical board that included experts in cardiology and internal medicine assessed Khan’s health and deemed him to be clinically stable, with all cardiac tests returning normal results. The procedure was performed as day-care surgery by retinal surgeons affiliated with both PIMS and Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, as stated in a hospital communication.

Health Deterioration Sparks Political Tensions

Khan’s declining health has increased tensions in Pakistan’s already unstable political landscape. Earlier this month, his son, Kasim Khan, made allegations that his father’s prolonged solitary confinement and lack of medical attention had resulted in significant vision loss, claiming that Khan is nearly blind in his right eye and retains only about fifteen percent of his eyesight. These concerns have raised further scrutiny and accusations from PTI leaders and Khan’s family, alleging mistreatment while the government maintains that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care while in custody.

The 73-year-old former cricketer has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in corruption-related cases. Khan and his supporters assert that these charges are politically motivated, a claim that government officials refute. The situation has ignited protests spearheaded by PTI supporters and has drawn public appeals from notable former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly, urging the authorities in Pakistan to ensure that the imprisoned ex-prime minister receives adequate medical treatment.

Aftercare and Security Following Treatment

Following the medical procedure at PIMS, Khan was reported to be stable throughout the treatment and was subsequently returned to Adiala Jail while provided with follow-up instructions for his ongoing care. His health has been a focal point of public concern and is viewed as a crucial issue in the current political discourse in Pakistan.

As the situation unfolds, the discourse surrounding Khan’s health is increasingly intertwined with broader political ramifications, reflecting the intense scrutiny and division present in the country regarding the governance and treatment of political figures in custody.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share