Pims: Imran’s Vision Improves After Eye Treatment

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) announced on Tuesday night that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had been examined at Adiala Jail for his eye ailment. His vision “had remarkably improved,” PIMS stated in a press release available to Dawn. However, the PTI party declared this examination lacking transparency and credibility as it lacked the presence of Imran’s personal physicians and immediate family.

In response, PIMS revealed that Dr Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi and Dr M Arif Khan from PIMS had conducted the examination. This team previously examined Imran last month to assess his vision after he received his second dose of an anti-VEGF injection.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology specifies that anti-VEGF treatments reduce abnormal blood vessel leakage, which can slow or halt vision loss and improve eyesight. During the recent examination, doctors conducted various tests including visual acuity evaluations, fundoscopy, slit lamp examinations, and optical coherence tomography. The medical board concluded that Imran’s vision had significantly improved at this stage.

PTI firmly rejected PIMS’ press release, declaring it “lacks transparency and credibility.” For months, serious concerns have been raised over Imran Khan’s health, access to independent care, and the denial of family-member evaluations. PTI reiterated its demand for an immediate examination in front of his personal physicians and his immediate family.

PTI emphasized that Shifa International Hospital should be the site for a comprehensive medical evaluation due to Imran’s wishes, but the government has refused this request. “Nothing short of this will be acceptable,” PTI stated. The ongoing refusal to grant independent medical access only heightens public concern about Imran Khan’s health and well-being.

In January, Imran’s eye ailment—right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)—was revealed after initial reports surfaced in the media. His first medical procedure was confirmed by the government five days later. Subsequently, his lawyer, Salman Safdar, disclosed that Khan had lost significant vision in his right eye while incarcerated.

Former cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, last month called for better prison treatment for Imran Khan, describing him as a “one of the finest all-rounders” of international cricket. The conflict between the government and opposition over Imran’s health has escalated into a blame game, with each party accusing the other of lacking transparency and appropriate care.

The PTI’s demand underscores its commitment to ensuring Imran Khan receives proper treatment in his current state, raising significant questions about the adequacy of medical care within prison facilities.