PIMS official’s statement on ex-PM’s eye treatment draws criticism by PTI

2026-01-31 - 19:56

Party leaders demand personal physician’s access to Imran Khan A video statement by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) regarding the eye examination and treatment of former prime minister and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has triggered criticism from the PTI leaders, who have raised concerns over the medical process and demanded the inclusion of his personal physician in the panel of doctors. The Executive Director of PIMS, Dr Rana Imran Sikandar, in a video message shared with media on Saturday confirmed that Imran Khan was brought to the hospital after complaining of reduced vision in his right eye. According to Dr Sikandar, the former prime minister had initially undergone a comprehensive eye examination at Adiala Jail by a senior doctor after reporting visual problems. Following the initial assessment, the hospital authorities said that all necessary diagnostic tests related to the right eye were conducted in detail. Doctors diagnosed the patient with central retinal vein occlusion in the right eye, a condition that can significantly affect vision. Based on the diagnosis, the attending senior doctor recommended further treatment at PIMS. Dr Sikandar stated that Imran Khan was transferred to PIMS to receive the prescribed medical care. He added that the patient was fully informed about his medical condition as well as the treatment procedure, and that written consent was obtained prior to the intervention. According to the hospital administration, the treatment was carried out in a sterile environment inside the operation theatre under strict medical supervision. During the procedure, doctors performed a slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, measurement of intraocular pressure, along with other required diagnostic tests, including retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT). Hospital officials said the entire procedure was completed successfully in approximately 20 minutes and that the patient’s vital signs remained stable throughout. After the treatment, the former prime minister was discharged with detailed medical instructions, follow-up advice, and relevant documentation. Dr Sikandar added that a team of senior doctors examined the patient before approving his discharge. However, PTI leaders expressed reservations over the treatment being conducted by government-appointed doctors. They rejected what they termed an “eye procedure” carried out without the presence of Imran Khan’s personal physician and called for his trusted doctor to be included in the medical panel overseeing his care. Party representatives argued that transparency and the patient’s confidence in the treatment process were essential, particularly given the former prime minister’s incarceration. The issue has once again brought attention to concerns repeatedly raised by PTI regarding the health, medical access, and treatment of their incarcerated leader. While PIMS authorities have maintained that the procedure was conducted strictly in accordance with medical protocols, PTI leaders have insisted that future medical evaluations and treatments should involve doctors of Imran Khan’s own choosing to avoid any controversy.