Imran Khan receives treatment for affected eye in jail

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister Imran Khan has received medical treatment in jail after his vision in his right eye was affected, sources familiar with the matter said.

Specialist doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) visited Adiala jail in Rawalpindi and examined Khan, the sources said, adding that an injection was administered to his eye as part of initial treatment to prevent further deterioration.

The sources said that PIMS hospital was also placed on alert, with additional security and backup arrangements made in case Khan needed to be transferred for further treatment.

According to the sources, PIMS Ophthalmology Department head Dr Muhammad Arif has advised that Khan might require hospitalisation for better care. However, jail authorities believed treatment could continue inside the prison for the time being.

Khan was not immediately shifted and doctors provided treatment at the jail, while the hospital remained prepared as a precaution, the sources said.

Social media reports suggesting a transfer had created confusion, but no move took place, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that reports about the former premier’s health had caused concern among party members and his family.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside other party leaders, Gohar said that authorities had not disclosed what illness Khan was suffering from.

He said that PTI leaders last met Khan on December 20 and demanded that they be allowed to see him without delay.

Khan has been held at Adiala jail since his conviction in a series of cases that he says are politically motivated.