Imran Khan’s Eyesight Affected: What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion and How Serious Is It?

2026-02-12 - 16:16

ISLAMABAD – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s eyesight has become center of an escalating legal, medical, and political storm after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered federal government to conduct an urgent eye examination by specialist doctors before February 16, citing serious concerns over a potentially vision-threatening condition. A two-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, issued the directive after reviewing a detailed report submitted by court-appointed Friend of the Court Salman Safdar, who warned that immediate medical intervention is required, particularly for Imran Khan’s deteriorating eye condition. Reading the report before the court, Salman Safdar stressed that delays could have irreversible consequences. He recommended that the examination be conducted in the presence of a family member, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation. However, the court declined this request. During proceedings, Attorney General assured the bench that a team of ophthalmology specialists would soon visit Adiala Jail. The court responded firmly, ordering that the entire process must be completed before February 16. The controversy erupted last month when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing “reliable journalistic sources,” revealed that Imran Khan had been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, which is a serious condition involving blockage of a major retinal vein that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Reports soon surfaced that Imran Khan had been secretly transferred to Islamabad for treatment. Shortly afterward, PIMS Hospital officially confirmed that the former prime minister was treated in an operation theatre late Saturday night after complaining of significant loss of vision in his right eye. In a video statement, PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar confirmed that medical examinations led to the diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion. According to PIMS administration, a senior, specially trained ophthalmologist initially examined Imran Khan inside Adiala Jail. Based on those findings, hospital-based treatment was deemed unavoidable. Imran Khan was subsequently brought to PIMS Hospital between Saturday and Sunday night, where doctors informed him that he would receive an Anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, a specialized treatment used to control retinal swelling and prevent further vision damage. The hospital made it clear that “informed consent” was obtained after fully briefing Imran Khan on the procedure. The treatment was carried out inside an operation theatre, lasted approximately 20 minutes, and was completed without complications. The hospital stated that Imran Khan remained stable throughout and was later discharged with strict post-treatment instructions before being sent back to jail. Despite medical disclosures, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar attempted to downplay the situation, describing it as a “minor eye issue.” He dismissed circulating reports as exaggerated and insisted that Imran Khan’s condition was “completely stable.” He also acknowledged that Imran Khan was taken to hospital on Saturday following doctors’ advice during a jail examination. PTI leaders swiftly challenged the government’s narrative. Senior PTI figure Zulfi Bukhari questioned why Imran Khan’s family and lawyers were kept in the dark about his diagnosis and treatment details. Shaukat Khanum Hospital administration also stepped in, stating that its medical team wished to be involved in Imran Khan’s treatment. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party was deeply concerned about the health of both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, warning that denial of jail meetings was fueling widespread anxiety among party supporters. ‘Treatment Not Possible Inside Jail’ PTI leaders said rthe condition being reported cannot be treated inside a jail. It requires a fully functional operation theatre and specialized hospital equipment.” Dr. Mirza added that without proper diagnostic machines, which is available only in hospitals, any jail-based assessment would be incomplete and potentially misleading. During proceedings at the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi related to the GHQ attack case, Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Malik formally requested that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi be examined by their personal physicians, citing alarming media reports and growing public concern. A written application named three personal doctors and urged immediate examinations. The court has now sought a response from prosecutors by Friday. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah revealed that this was the third such request, adding that jail authorities have not yet been ordered to submit any medical records. PTI also accused jail authorities of deliberately obstructing treatment, claiming officials are insisting on jail-based care despite doctors’ warnings. The party reiterated that failure to provide timely, specialized treatment could permanently damage Imran Khan’s eyesight. Khan’s party demanded his immediate transfer to Shaukat Khanum Hospital or a hospital of his choice, warning that any permanent vision loss will place full responsibility on the government and jail administration. SC orders access for Imran Khan to personal doctors, phone calls with children