Islamabad / Rawalpindi, Pakistan (January 30, 2026) — Pakistan’s government confirmed Thursday that imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan underwent a brief medical procedure for an eye ailment and is currently in stable condition, but the handling of his treatment has reignited political tension and protests from his party.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan, 73, was taken under strict security from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Saturday night after prison doctors recommended further examination. At PIMS, eye specialists conducted a review and, with Khan’s written consent, carried out a 20-minute procedure before returning him to custody, the minister told reporters. Tarar emphasized that Khan’s vital signs remained stable and that he is “absolutely healthy.”
The government’s disclosure follows several days of speculation on social media and in Pakistan’s press about Khan’s health, including reports that he was suffering from a serious eye condition that could lead to permanent vision issues without proper care. PTI officials previously claimed the party and Khan’s family had not been informed of the hospital transfer in advance, raising concerns about transparency and prisoners’ rights.
Opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders condemned the circumstances surrounding the treatment, accusing authorities of withholding information and denying access to Khan’s family, trusted doctors, and legal counsel. PTI spokesman Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari said the lack of verifiable details on Khan’s condition, medical personnel involved, and treatment given was “opaque and alarming,” and demanded full disclosure of medical records.
The dispute has sparked demonstrations at Adiala Jail. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi led more than 300 PTI legislators and supporters in a sit-in protest outside the prison, demanding immediate access to Khan for his doctors and family members. Afridi described the secretive transfer as a violation of Khan’s rights and vowed to continue protests until demands are met.
Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases, including the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, convictions he and his party say are politically motivated. His detention and medical treatment have become focal points in Pakistan’s highly polarized political climate, intensifying debates over human rights and due process in the country.
Originally Published By: AP News and Money Control.
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