ISLAMABAD: A medical board constituted on the directions of the Islamabad High Court has completed a detailed health examination of Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, diagnosing him with a serious eye condition.
According to a report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan by his counsel Salman Safdar and the court’s amicus curiae, the former prime minister has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO).
Detailed medical assessment
Sources said a five-member medical board, along with supporting staff, conducted a comprehensive two-hour examination focusing on Khan’s affected eye.
The condition occurs when the main vein draining blood from the retina becomes blocked and is often linked to cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Medical board constituted on court orders
The jail administration said the medical board was formed by the Islamabad chief commissioner in compliance with court directives. The panel includes specialists such as ENT expert Professor Altaf Hussain, cardiologist Professor Akhtar Ali Bandesha, Dr Muhammad Ali Arif, and ophthalmologist Professor Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Eye Hospital.
The board is expected to submit a detailed report shortly.
Court directives on treatment
The Islamabad High Court had earlier ordered the formation of the board while rejecting a plea seeking Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment.
The petition was heard by a bench comprising Justices Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Khadim Hussain Soomro, which directed that recommendations be submitted to the chief commissioner for further action.
Decision on treatment location pending
Under applicable prison rules, the chief commissioner will decide whether Khan should be shifted to a medical facility or continue treatment within jail.
The court also directed authorities to keep Khan’s family informed of his condition and ensure continued access to his lawyers and relatives.
Khan has previously been taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, with his next procedure scheduled later this month.