Islamabad – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to be transferred to a hospital on February 25 to receive a second injection as part of treatment for a diagnosed eye condition, according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The treatment aims to address a central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye, a condition that has led to significant vision loss. This latest development comes amid ongoing legal battles for Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, and persistent concerns about his health while in custody.
Chaudhry addressed the media in Islamabad on Friday, clarifying that the hospital visit is solely for the administration of the injection. He stated that Khan, 73, received his first injection on January 25, and a third is planned for a month after the February 25 appointment, to be administered at a facility in Rawalpindi or Islamabad. “Regarding the matter of his eye, on January 25 he was given one injection, two more are still to be administered,” Chaudhry said. “For that, the proposed date for the injection is February 25, and one month later he will be given the third injection at the best available facility in Pindi and Islamabad.”
Khan’s Eye Condition and Treatment Timeline
The situation surrounding Khan’s eyesight has been a source of contention. Reports emerged last month that the former prime minister had developed an infection in his right eye, prompting a transfer from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for assessment. Initially, authorities reportedly denied the treatment, but it was later confirmed by a PIMS hospital report, which indicated reduced vision. The diagnosis of central retinal vein occlusion was subsequently made, necessitating follow-up treatment.
A report submitted by Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, acting as amicus curiae in the Supreme Court, detailed a significant loss of vision, claiming Khan had lost 85% of vision in his right eye. This prompted the Supreme Court to intervene, ordering access to an eye specialist and allowing communication with his sons in the United Kingdom.
Political Context and Legal Battles
Khan’s incarceration stems from convictions he and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintain are politically motivated. He was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote and has since faced numerous legal challenges, including cases related to state gifts and allegations of unlawful marriage. Some of these convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals still pending. Khan continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The government, however, has maintained that Khan is receiving adequate medical care and that there has been no negligence in his treatment. Following an examination by a medical board, a report indicated improvement in his eyesight, leading the board to recommend against a hospital transfer. The PTI has disputed these findings, calling for treatment at Islamabad’s Shifa hospital under the supervision of Khan’s personal physicians.
Concerns Over Politicization of Health
The handling of Khan’s medical care has drawn criticism from various quarters, with accusations of politicization. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry urged the PTI leadership to avoid “politicising the matter and not to spread baseless speculation.” Another minister, Naqvi, also criticized the politicization of Khan’s health, accusing opponents of exploiting the situation.
The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the sensitivity of the case and the concerns surrounding the former prime minister’s well-being. The court’s orders reflect a desire to ensure Khan receives appropriate medical attention while navigating the legal process. Recent reports also indicate Khan was “extremely happy” after a phone call with his sons, a small respite amidst the ongoing legal and health challenges.
The next scheduled medical intervention for Imran Khan is the administration of the second eye injection on February 25. Authorities have confirmed the hospital transfer is solely for this purpose. Further updates on his condition and any subsequent medical appointments are expected to be released by the government and medical officials in the coming weeks.
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