The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has officially confirmed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent a specialized ocular procedure following a diagnosis of a serious retinal condition.
In a press release issued on January 30, 2026, the PIMS administration detailed the medical intervention provided to the 74-year-old PTI founder, who is currently incarcerated at Adyala Jail.
The Diagnosis: Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
The medical update reveals that Mr. Khan recently reported a significant reduction in vision in his right eye. In response, a senior ophthalmologist from PIMS conducted an extensive assessment at Adyala Jail.
Using advanced diagnostic tools, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the retina and fundoscopy, specialists diagnosed the former premier with Right Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). CRVO is a serious condition where the main vein that drains blood from the retina becomes blocked, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Emergency Medical Intervention
Following the diagnosis, authorities transferred Mr. Khan to PIMS on the night of Saturday/Sunday for a specialized procedure. According to the hospital administration:
- Treatment: Surgeons administered an anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injection to stabilize the retina.
- Duration: The procedure took approximately 20 minutes in the hospital’s operation theatre.
- Patient Status: The hospital confirmed that Mr. Khan remained “vitally stable” throughout the process and provided full informed consent.
PIMS authorities stated that they discharged Mr. Khan with routine post-procedure care instructions and follow-up advice after the successful operation.
Political Tension and Protests
Imran Khan’s medical update and transfer the hospital for treatment has sparked intense political activity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a protest outside Adiala Jail and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the transparency of the procedure.
CM Afridi and PTI leadership have raised concerns over the “secrecy” of the surgery, alleging that the family was not informed until after the fact. The Chief Minister has demanded that Mr. Khan’s personal physicians be allowed to conduct an independent examination to verify the success of the PIMS intervention.
As of now, Mr. Khan has returned to Adyala Jail, where he remains under medical observation according to the PIMS follow-up protocols.
