Imran Khan taken to PIMS for fourth eye injection as OCT scan shows improvement

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Tuesday for follow-up eye treatment. Hospital officials administered his fourth anti-VEGF intravitreal injection as part of his ongoing ophthalmic care. He was returned to Adiala Jail after the day-care procedure.

Imran last underwent the anti-VEGF intravitreal injection on Mar 23. His eye ailment — right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) — came to light in late January. His first medical procedure was carried out on Jan 24, and he was administered the second dose on Feb 24.

What is the anti-VEGF intravitreal injection Imran Khan is receiving?

An anti-VEGF intravitreal injection is a medical treatment delivered directly into the eye to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. It is used to stabilize or improve vision in conditions affecting the retina. Khan is receiving the treatment at PIMS as part of a continuing course of ophthalmic care.

What did the PIMS medical examination find?

Eye specialists examined Khan before the procedure and confirmed he was medically stable. An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan showed clinical improvement in his eye condition. The procedure was completed in the operating theatre under standard monitoring protocols, with Khan's informed consent obtained and documented beforehand.

Hospital officials confirmed the treatment was carried out as day-care surgery. Khan remained medically stable before, during, and after the procedure. He was discharged following post-procedure care and the completion of required documentation.

How did Imran Khan's eye condition develop in custody?

Concerns over Khan's eyesight have grown over several months, with reports indicating his vision problems began around late 2025 and worsened over roughly three months in custody. Khan told his lawyer, Salman Safdar, that he was initially treated only with eye drops for nearly three months, which did not improve his condition. A sharp deterioration followed, leaving him with around 15% vision in his right eye.

Medical intervention, including injections and specialist attention, came after complaints of delayed care. Court involvement followed, and medical boards were formed to assess his condition. The case has drawn sustained attention from legal and political circles in Pakistan.

What is the political dispute over Imran Khan's medical treatment?

The issue has become a flashpoint between Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government. PTI leaders, family members, and allies have alleged medical negligence, denial of access to personal doctors, and inadequate treatment, framing the situation as a human rights concern and calling for his transfer to a hospital.

The government has maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate, specialist-led care. Officials have cautioned against what they describe as the politicization of a medical matter.