Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken to a hospital in Islamabad around 2 a.m., triggering concern and political reactions across the country. He was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment related to an eye condition, hospital authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Khan was administered the second of three scheduled injections as part of ongoing treatment for his right eye. Medical sources indicated that only about 15 percent vision remains in his right eye. The third injection is reportedly scheduled for March 24.
Doctors at PIMS said Khan’s condition is stable. After receiving the injection, he was kept under observation and later discharged once his vitals were found to be normal. He was subsequently shifted back to Adiala Jail, where he has been lodged.
Political Reactions and Questions Raised
The late-night hospital transfer caused a stir after videos of Khan being brought under tight security surfaced online. Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) questioned the secrecy surrounding the treatment.
Barrister Gohar Khan, a senior PTI leader, said he learned about the hospital visit at 2 a.m. and questioned why the treatment was conducted “in secrecy.” He demanded that Khan’s supporters and family be informed about his medical condition and insisted that treatment should take place at Shifa International Hospital in the presence of his personal doctors and family members.
“Such procedures should not be carried out without transparency. His private medical team and family must be present,” Gohar Khan said.
Government’s Clarification
Responding to the controversy, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said in a statement on social media that Khan was provided full legal and humanitarian assistance during the hospital visit. He added that strict security measures were in place and that doctors have observed improvement in Khan’s eyesight compared to earlier assessments.
“It is important to clarify that Imran Khan was taken to the hospital under proper protocol. Doctors have noted improvement in his condition,” the minister stated.
Family Expresses Distrust
Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, voiced strong objections over the manner in which the treatment was handled. She said the family was not informed in advance about the hospital transfer and claimed that they do not trust government-issued medical reports.
“Under the law, families must be informed if a prisoner is undergoing medical treatment. We learned about this through media reports,” she said, alleging a lack of transparency.
Aleema further claimed that doctors may have been pressured not to disclose information regarding Khan’s health. She stated that even if medical reports are made public, the family would have reservations about their credibility.
Background
Since being removed from office, Imran Khan has faced a series of legal challenges and has been incarcerated for over three years. His detention has remained politically sensitive, with his supporters frequently alleging restrictions on family visits, access to lawyers, and consultations with private doctors.
The latest health development has once again intensified political tensions in Pakistan, with PTI demanding greater transparency and access regarding Khan’s medical care.
As of now, medical authorities maintain that his condition is stable, and further treatment will proceed as scheduled next month.
