The Imran Khan health case has taken a new turn after the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to form a medical board to examine the health condition of Imran Khan. The court issued this order while hearing a petition that requested the transfer of the jailed former prime minister to a private hospital for specialized eye treatment.
The decision came during a hearing conducted by a division bench comprising Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. While the request to move Khan to a private hospital was rejected, the court emphasized that his health concerns must be evaluated carefully through a new medical examination.
Court Orders Medical Board for Fresh Examination
In the Imran Khan health case, the Islamabad High Court directed the capital city’s chief commissioner to immediately constitute a medical board. The board will perform a fresh assessment of Khan’s health condition and provide recommendations regarding his treatment.
The court order stated that health-related matters require careful attention, especially when the patient is a prisoner. Therefore, a new examination was considered necessary despite the fact that multiple medical evaluations had already been conducted earlier this year.
The medical board will include senior specialists such as Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, head of the ophthalmology department at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Nadeem Qureshi, head of the vitreo-retina department at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.
These experts are expected to evaluate Khan’s eye condition and submit their findings to the chief commissioner as soon as possible.
Eye Condition Diagnosed as CRVO
A key aspect of the Imran Khan health case is his diagnosis with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition affecting blood circulation in the retina. According to medical reports submitted to the court, CRVO occurs when the main vein that drains blood from the retina becomes blocked.
This blockage can lead to blurred vision, vision loss, and other complications if not treated properly. The condition is often associated with underlying health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
Doctors have been monitoring Khan’s condition closely and providing treatment under medical supervision. His legal team had requested that he be shifted to a private hospital to receive more specialized care.
Court Rejects Transfer to Private Hospital
Despite concerns raised in the Imran Khan health case, the Islamabad High Court decided not to approve his transfer to a private medical facility. The court explained that under Pakistan’s prison rules, the authority to transfer a convicted prisoner for specialized treatment lies with the government.
The judges clarified that the court cannot replace the executive authority in such matters. Therefore, the request to shift Khan to a private hospital was rejected.
Instead, the newly formed medical board will review his condition and submit recommendations. Based on these findings, the chief commissioner will determine whether Khan should continue receiving treatment in prison or be moved to a hospital outside the prison premises.
Previous Medical Examinations and Treatment
The Imran Khan health case has already involved several medical assessments over the past few months. According to reports submitted by the superintendent of Central Prison Rawalpindi, Khan underwent medical examinations on January 16, January 24, February 2, and February 20, 2026.
These evaluations suggested that his condition had shown some improvement. However, the court believed that an additional review by a specialized medical board would provide a clearer understanding of his current health status.
The former prime minister has also been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences twice from Adiala Jail for treatment of his right eye. His most recent visit took place on February 24 under tight security for a follow-up examination.
Doctors have scheduled a third injection as part of his treatment plan, which is expected to be administered later in March.
Court Emphasizes Prison Rules
Another important point raised in the Imran Khan health case relates to the responsibilities of prison authorities. The Islamabad High Court noted that jail officials are required by law to inform the family members of a prisoner if the inmate develops a serious medical condition.
The court directed prison authorities to strictly follow these rules and ensure transparency in matters concerning the health of inmates. It also instructed that Khan’s family should be kept informed about his medical condition through proper communication channels.
Additionally, the court reminded authorities that the former prime minister should be allowed to meet his lawyers and family members according to the mechanism outlined in a previous ruling by a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court.
What Happens Next
The future developments in the Imran Khan health case will largely depend on the findings of the medical board. Once the board completes its evaluation, it will submit recommendations to the chief commissioner of Islamabad.
Based on those recommendations, the government will decide whether Khan should receive treatment inside the prison or be moved to a hospital for specialized care.
The court emphasized that the new medical board’s examination will complement the treatment measures that are already in place.
The Imran Khan health case highlights the complex balance between legal procedures, prison regulations, and the medical rights of prisoners. While the Islamabad High Court rejected the request to transfer him to a private hospital, it ensured that his health concerns would be addressed through a specialized medical board.
As the board conducts its examination and submits its findings, the decision regarding his future medical treatment will rest with the authorities in accordance with the law.
