Imran Khan Taken to Islamabad for Second Eye Injection Amid Ongoing Political Tensions Over Medical Care
ISLAMABAD, February 24, 2026 — Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan was transported under tight security from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad on February 24, 2026, where he received the second dose of a prescribed three-injection course for a serious eye condition that has caused significant vision loss .
The 73-year-old founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party was brought to the capital’s premier medical facility in the early hours of Tuesday for a scheduled follow-up procedure, part of his ongoing treatment plan first initiated in late January . Doctors had earlier prescribed a course of three anti-VEGF intravitreal injections to address his deteriorating right eye condition .
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Hospital officials confirmed that a board of specialists conducted a thorough examination of Khan’s eye before administering the injection in an operating theatre under microscopy guidance . The procedure was performed as day-care surgery, and after spending approximately one hour at the hospital, Khan was discharged and returned to Adiala Jail .
Medical Procedure and Findings
Prior to the injection, a consultant cardiologist performed both echocardiography and an electrocardiogram on the former premier, with both tests returning normal results . Doctors reported that Khan was found to be “clinically stable” throughout his stay, with vital signs remaining normal before, during, and after the procedure .
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The procedure was conducted under the supervision of consultant ophthalmologists and a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon from both PIMS and Shifa International Eye Hospital, following standard medical protocols and precautionary measures . Hospital authorities stated that informed consent was obtained from Khan before the procedure .
Following the treatment, Khan was discharged with all necessary instructions, prescriptions, and follow-up advice to ensure continuity of care . Medical sources indicated that the third and final injection is expected to be administered on March 23 as part of his complete treatment plan .
Nature of Eye Condition
Medical reports earlier submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan revealed that Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a serious condition that affects blood flow in the retina and can lead to significant vision loss . The condition is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease .
According to reports from Khan’s legal team and family sources, he has lost approximately 85 percent of vision in his right eye . The amicus curiae report submitted to the Supreme Court had earlier criticized the prison’s medical facilities and highlighted the urgent need for specialist care .
PTI’s Response and Demands
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan confirmed that the medical procedure had taken place, stating that the party was informed after the examination was completed . However, he reiterated demands being made by the former premier’s family regarding his treatment, emphasizing that the party wants future medical evaluations to take place in the presence of Khan’s personal doctors to ensure transparency .
Barrister Gohar also stressed that PTI wants Khan to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for further medical care rather than continuing treatment at PIMS . The party has consistently raised concerns about the quality of medical care and access to physicians for the incarcerated former prime minister.
Security Arrangements and Transfer
Khan was brought from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to PIMS in Islamabad under tight security, with authorities maintaining strict protocols throughout the transfer . The visit was conducted late at night or in the early morning hours as part of the scheduled treatment plan .
The transfer followed previous Supreme Court interventions regarding Khan’s medical care. His family and associates had been barred from visiting him for several weeks until the apex court’s recent intervention allowed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to meet him . Following that visit, Safdar submitted a report to the court stating the severity of Khan’s eye condition, which triggered further protests by the opposition .
Political Context and Protests
Khan’s health has emerged as a major political issue in Pakistan, with the government and opposition exchanging statements over his medical care . The former prime minister has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions, which he and his party maintain are politically motivated following his removal from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote .
Some of his convictions have been suspended, while others remain under appeal . On the same day as his medical procedure, additional developments occurred in Khan’s legal battles. A court in Islamabad granted pre-arrest bail to Khan in six cases, including the Toshakhana fake receipts case, the Karachi Company case, an attempted murder case involving former minister Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, and two cases registered at Kohsar police station related to the Azadi March protest . The court approved bail in exchange for bonds of Rs 50,000 in each case .
PTI supporters have staged protests in different areas, demanding improved access to treatment and better medical facilities for the former prime minister . On February 23, opposition members protested outside the Supreme Court, demanding immediate hearings for Khan’s cases and urgent medical attention due to health concerns .
The protest was attended by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, along with other party leaders . Speaking to reporters, Abbas urged the government to take “confidence-building measures,” including permitting Khan’s family members and private physicians to meet him .
Salman Akram Raja stated that the party did not trust “any government report,” apparently referring to the medical report submitted to the apex court by PIMS . He noted concerns raised by Khan’s sister Uzma Khanum about his condition and said efforts would be made again to meet the Chief Justice of Pakistan .
Last week, the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan had held a five-day sit-in at Parliament House to press for Khan’s medical examination and treatment, calling it off in observance of the holy month of Ramazan .
Government Position
Federal ministers have previously stated that the government is prioritizing humanitarian considerations and legal obligations regarding Khan’s health . Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry urged political parties to avoid politicizing Khan’s health, stating that “the government is fulfilling its responsibilities” .
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar confirmed that further examination and treatment would be carried out by ophthalmology experts and that a detailed report on the treatment would also be submitted to the Supreme Court .
Authorities at Adiala Jail have been maintaining daily medical records for Khan, including vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and blood sugar levels, along with consultation reports and information about medical staff treating him . These records are compiled regularly and have been sent to relevant authorities including the Punjab Home Department .
Broader Implications
Khan’s deteriorating health and the political controversy surrounding his medical care have intensified focus on conditions for high-profile detainees in Pakistan. The former cricket star turned politician continues to maintain significant public support despite his imprisonment, and his health has become a rallying cause for opposition parties.
The third scheduled injection on March 23 will likely draw renewed attention to his condition and the ongoing political tensions between his party and the government. Meanwhile, PTI leaders have vowed to continue pressing their demands for access to personal doctors and improved medical facilities.
As one party leader stated during the recent protests: “Not just the PTI founder’s eye but his body needs a checkup” . The coming weeks will reveal whether the government accedes to opposition demands for transferring Khan to a private hospital and allowing his personal physicians to participate in his ongoing treatment.
With inputs from
Pakistan Today: Imran Khan undergoes second eye injection
Minute Mirror: Khan receives follow-up eye treatment
PIMS Official: Treatment update
Daily Ausaf: Bail granted in six cases
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