Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad during the early hours of November 11 for an eye examination and follow-up treatment. He was discharged at approximately 2:30 am and returned to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, according to hospital officials.
The 74-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was transferred from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) during the night between November 10 and 11. The hospital confirmed that he underwent a medical examination and received an eye procedure recommended by his treating ophthalmologist.
Eye treatment at Islamabad government hospital
According to a PIMS official, Khan underwent a general medical examination and an assessment of his eyes before the procedure. Hospital authorities said his vital signs were within normal limits and his overall physical condition was stable.
Following the examination, the ophthalmology team administered an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. This treatment involves injecting medication into the eye and is used for certain retinal conditions.
The hospital stated that the procedure was conducted after obtaining Khan's informed consent and following standard medical monitoring and safety protocols. It added that he remained clinically stable before, during and after the treatment.
He was discharged at around 2:30 am with instructions for further care and follow-up. The hospital's statement did not indicate any immediate complications during the procedure.
Ongoing concerns about his eyesight
Khan has been receiving treatment for a condition affecting his right eye since January 2026, after reporting a loss of vision. He was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion, a condition that affects blood flow through the retina and can cause blurred or reduced vision.
The anti-VEGF injection administered during the latest hospital visit is part of the treatment being provided for this eye condition. Reports from Pakistani media indicate that this was his sixth such injection.
His eye health has remained a matter of concern for his family, party leaders and legal representatives. They have repeatedly sought access to specialist treatment and doctors of his choice.
Reuters also reported that Khan had experienced blood pressure problems before the latest hospital visit. An official cited in the report said he received the necessary treatment and was subsequently returned to his prison cell.
Family and PTI demand private hospital treatment
Khan's family and the PTI have insisted that he should receive treatment at a private hospital rather than a government medical facility. They have also called for his personal doctors to be involved in his medical care.
The demand has been linked to concerns about his eyesight and the transparency of the treatment provided while he remains in custody. The party has called for clear medical information and access for his family, legal representatives and personal physicians.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care in custody. The latest hospital visit was carried out at PIMS, where doctors examined him and administered the recommended eye injection.
The difference between the family's demand for private treatment and the government's decision to use a government hospital has remained a point of disagreement.
Earlier Supreme Court direction
The issue of Khan's medical treatment also involves an earlier Supreme Court order. On August 18, 2026, Pakistan's Supreme Court directed authorities to take him to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination by a board that would include specialists and his personal physician.
However, Khan was taken to PIMS instead during an earlier hospital visit. That visit was followed by his return to jail, and the handling of the court's direction became a subject of dispute.
The latest transfer to PIMS has again drawn attention to the question of where and under whose supervision Khan should receive medical treatment. His family and party have continued to seek implementation of the demand for specialist care at a private hospital.
Imran Khan's imprisonment and political background
Imran Khan served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 until April 2022, when he was removed through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. He has been in prison since August 2023 and is facing several legal cases, including corruption-related proceedings.
Khan denies wrongdoing and has described the cases against him as politically motivated. His party has also criticised his continued detention and raised concerns about his access to medical care and family visits. The government has rejected claims that his legal proceedings are politically motivated.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a major figure in Pakistan's political landscape. His health, court cases and conditions in detention continue to attract attention from political leaders and the public.
Hospital visit renews focus on medical care in custody
The overnight hospital visit on November 11 has once again brought Khan's health and medical arrangements into focus. Hospital officials said he remained stable during the procedure and was discharged with instructions for follow-up care.
However, the disagreement over treatment at a government hospital rather than a private facility remains unresolved. His family and party continue to seek greater involvement of personal doctors and access to specialist medical services.
For now, Khan has returned to Adiala Jail after receiving the eye treatment at PIMS. Further updates from hospital authorities, the government, the courts or his party may provide more information about his recovery and future medical arrangements.
