Atta Tarar confirms that Imran Khan went for a brief eye procedure at Pims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, underwent a short medical procedure for an eye condition at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad last week, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Thursday.

Speaking to Geo News, Tarar said the procedure, which lasted around 20 minutes, took place on the night of January 24 following recommendations from ophthalmologists who examined Khan inside the jail. “Eye specialists assessed him at Adiala and advised that a minor procedure at Pims was necessary. He was taken there on Saturday night for further examination and treatment with his written consent,” the minister said.

According to Tarar, Khan’s vital signs remained stable throughout the procedure, and he was returned safely to Adiala Jail afterward, with instructions from the attending doctors. “He is completely healthy. All prisoners have access to medical care as per regulations, and Imran Khan is no exception,” the minister added.

The announcement came after PTI had raised concerns that Khan may be suffering from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, a condition that can cause serious vision damage if not treated promptly. The party also filed a fresh petition in the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday, seeking permission for party MNAs to meet Khan.

A senior doctor at Pims, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Khan was brought under strict security on Saturday night and the procedure extended past midnight, with operation theatres and the anesthesia room secured ahead of his arrival. The doctor noted that Khan was returned to the jail in the early hours of Sunday.

Meanwhile, Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, demanded transparency regarding his medical treatment. She questioned why his family and lawyers were not informed and called for his complete medical reports to be made public. “If even the slightest harm comes to Imran Khan’s eye, this injustice will not be ignored,” she warned, describing the secrecy surrounding his treatment as unacceptable.

Niazi also insisted that Khan be allowed to meet his personal doctors and legal team, emphasizing that his health should be fully protected given his prominence. “Endangering his well-being is not just a personal matter, it is a threat to the nation’s conscience,” she said.