Imran Khan undergoes fifth eye procedure at Islamabad's PIMS hospital

Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Monday for a fifth eye procedure.

Doctors found him clinically stable and discharged him back to prison the same day. Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and leads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

What eye procedure did Imran Khan receive at PIMS?

Khan received a fifth anti-VEGF intravitreal injection to treat right central retinal vein occlusion, a condition caused by a blockage in the veins draining blood from the retina. Ophthalmologists at PIMS examined him before the procedure and conducted an optical coherence tomography scan, which showed clinical improvement.

Before proceeding, doctors obtained informed consent from Khan. The procedure was carried out in the operating theater under standard monitoring and precautionary measures. Surgeons administered the injection under microscopic guidance during what PIMS described as a routine day-care procedure.

Khan remained vitally stable before, during and after the injection. He was later discharged with instructions for follow-up care and further treatment. No complications were reported.

How many eye procedures has Imran Khan had so far?

Monday's injection was Khan's fifth. His eye condition, identified as right central retinal vein occlusion, became public in late January. His first procedure took place on Jan. 24, followed by additional injections on Feb. 24, March 23 and April 28.

Each procedure has followed the same format, with PIMS ophthalmologists conducting pre-procedure assessments before administering the anti-VEGF injection. The hospital has consistently reported clinical stability and improvement after each visit.

What has PTI said about Khan's medical care in custody?

Khan's treatment has been a source of ongoing political dispute. Opposition figures, including PTI leaders, have accused the government of failing to ensure appropriate care and of blocking Khan's personal physicians from accessing him. The government has denied those allegations.

PTI has repeatedly called for Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital, which it considers an independent facility, for treatment. The party has also demanded greater transparency around his medical procedures and access for his family. Those demands remain unmet.