Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has again been transferred from Adiala Jail to hospital during the night for treatment to a serious condition affecting his right eye, renewing questions from his family and party over the secrecy and timing surrounding his medical care.
Khan, 74, was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad during the night of November 10-11, where doctors examined him and administered another intravitreal anti-VEGF injection.
PIMS said his vital signs were normal, his general physical examination was unremarkable and he remained clinically stable throughout the procedure.
He was discharged at around 2.30am and taken back to Adiala Jail.
The latest transfer is not the first time Khan has been moved to hospital during the night. His previous major medical examination in August was also conducted overnight, while several earlier eye procedures have similarly taken place late at night or in the early hours.
Sixth Injection For Right Eye Condition
The latest procedure was Khan’s sixth anti-VEGF injection for right central retinal vein occlusion, a condition which affects blood flow through the retina and can lead to swelling, bleeding and significant loss of vision.
Khan’s eye condition first became public earlier this year after he complained of severely reduced vision in his right eye.
His first anti-VEGF injection was administered at PIMS on January 24.
That procedure was also carried out at night, with government officials later confirming he had been transported from Adiala Jail to PIMS for a brief medical procedure before being returned to prison.
A second injection was administered in February after Khan was again taken to PIMS late at night. Reports at the time said he arrived at around 11.30pm and was returned to Adiala Jail at approximately 1.30am.
Further injections followed in March, April and June.
August Hospital Transfer Was Also Carried Out Overnight
The latest overnight movement closely mirrors Khan’s previous major hospital transfer in August.
On August 18, the Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to the private Shifa International Hospital for specialised medical assessment and treatment.
His personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan and his sister Dr Uzma Khan were expected to be involved.
However, during the night of August 20-21, authorities instead moved Khan to PIMS.
The government said the decision to divert him to the public hospital was made because of security concerns surrounding Shifa International Hospital.
After being examined by doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology and general medicine, Khan was returned to Adiala Jail at around 5am.
His family and PTI strongly criticised the move, arguing that the Supreme Court order had not been properly implemented.
Family Previously Complained About Secrecy
Khan’s family has repeatedly objected to the way his medical appointments have been organised.
Following earlier eye treatment, relatives complained that they were not informed in advance and said his personal doctors were excluded from parts of the process.
After the February procedure, PTI criticised what it described as the secrecy surrounding the hospital visit, particularly because Khan was transported late at night and returned to jail before most people knew the treatment had taken place.
Similar concerns were raised following the August transfer.
Dr Uzma Khan said she had expected her brother to be taken to Shifa International Hospital but instead found herself being transported to PIMS without being told beforehand.
PTI Questions Latest Overnight Treatment
PTI has again demanded greater transparency following the latest hospital visit.
The party said the state bears full responsibility for Khan’s health and safety and called for unrestricted access for his family, lawyers and personal doctors.
PTI leaders have questioned why medical procedures involving a former prime minister continue to be conducted during the night and why relatives and party representatives often learn details only afterwards.
The government has maintained that the timing and security arrangements are necessary because Khan remains a high-profile prisoner.
Family Continues To Seek Treatment At Shifa
Khan’s sister Dr Uzma Khan has continued pursuing implementation of the Supreme Court’s earlier direction that he receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital.
The family has argued that treatment should involve doctors who have previously managed Khan’s health and who are familiar with his medical history.
His personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, has also been at the centre of demands for greater access.
Authorities have repeatedly said Khan is receiving appropriate medical care through government hospitals and specialist medical boards.
PTI Claims Blood Pressure Reached 192
The latest treatment came a day after PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram claimed Khan’s blood pressure had risen to 192.
That figure has not been independently verified.
PIMS said Khan’s vital signs were normal when he was examined during the latest hospital visit.
Previous medical assessments have documented concerns about fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety while Khan has been in custody.
Eye Condition Previously Caused Severe Loss Of Vision
Khan has previously told the Supreme Court that sight in his affected right eye had fallen dramatically.
Medical treatment through repeated anti-VEGF injections has subsequently produced improvements, according to PIMS.
Hospital reports earlier this year said scans showed the condition responding positively to treatment.
However, the need for a sixth injection indicates doctors are continuing to monitor and treat the retinal condition.
Long-Running Dispute Over Medical Access
Khan’s health has become a persistent point of confrontation between PTI and the government since his imprisonment.
His family and political allies have accused authorities of restricting access to trusted doctors and failing to provide timely information about his condition.
The government rejects accusations that Khan is being denied healthcare and says medical specialists have examined and treated him whenever required.
The pattern of overnight transfers has nevertheless become increasingly prominent.
Khan’s first eye procedure in January was performed at night, his February treatment involved a late-night transfer, and his August medical assessment was carried out overnight before he was returned to prison at around 5am.
The latest procedure again followed the same pattern, with Khan taken from Adiala Jail during the night, treated at PIMS and returned to prison after being discharged at approximately 2.30am.
