Imran Khan Undergoes Minor Eye Procedure, Is in Good Health: Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar

Imran Khan Undergoes Minor Eye Procedure, Is in Good Health: Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar

Islamabad: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan underwent a minor medical procedure for an eye ailment last week and is currently in “good health,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Thursday, dismissing rumours about the seriousness of his condition.

Tarar said Khan, 73, was taken from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on doctors’ advice after eye specialists examined him in jail and recommended further assessment. He was hospitalised on Saturday night, where doctors conducted a brief eye-related procedure lasting around 20 minutes after obtaining his written consent.

“During the medical procedure, Khan’s vital organs and everything were stable. Currently, he is in good health,” Tarar told Geo News, adding that Khan was shifted back to Adiala Jail with necessary medical instructions soon after the procedure. He stressed that all prisoners are provided access to medical facilities and specialist care as per jail rules.

The minister rejected claims circulating on social media that the former prime minister’s condition was serious, reiterating that the hospital visit was solely for a minor eye procedure and that Khan remained stable throughout.

The clarification came amid growing concerns raised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which earlier claimed that its jailed founder was suffering from a serious eye condition that could cause permanent damage if left untreated. PTI had cited reports suggesting Khan was diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, a claim the government has denied.

PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan expressed “grave concern” over the secrecy surrounding the treatment, stating that neither the party nor Khan’s family had been officially informed about the nature of his illness. Khan’s legal team has also approached an anti-terrorism court seeking permission for his personal doctors to examine him, noting that his personal physician has not been allowed access since October 2024 despite court orders.

Meanwhile, Khan’s sister Noreen Khan dismissed reports of a serious eye ailment, asserting that her brother was in good condition. However, she questioned the circumstances under which he was taken to PIMS late at night and demanded that his family, lawyers and personal doctors be allowed to meet him and that his full medical reports be made public.

The issue has triggered protests by PTI leaders and supporters, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi voicing concern over Khan’s health and demanding immediate access for his family and doctors. Afridi warned that responsibility would lie with the authorities if transparency was not ensured.

Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 following his conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case and faces multiple other cases since his ouster from power through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.