Bushra Bibi undergoes eye surgery, returns to Adiala after overnight hospital stay: jail authorities

Retinal detachment diagnosed in right eye after examination, family visits for over an hour after surgery

Bushra Bibi, wife of incarcerated former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, underwent eye surgery on the evening of April 16 after complaining of impaired vision in her right eye, jail authorities said.

The jail administration reportedly took immediate notice and arranged an examination by ophthalmologists, who diagnosed retinal detachment in Bushra Bibi's right eye. In view of the diagnosis, doctors advised surgery.

She was then shifted to a private hospital in Rawalpindi. Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi and his panel performed the surgery after necessary tests and medical examinations were conducted and Bushra Bibi's consent was obtained.

Read: IHC orders lawyer's jail meeting with Imran

After the surgery and an overnight hospital stay, the former first lady was discharged in satisfactory condition and has been shifted back to Adiala Jail. Post-operative examinations and follow-ups will be conducted in accordance with doctors' advice, according to jail authorities.

A meeting was also arranged between Bushra Bibi, her daughters, and her sister, jail authorities said. The meeting, which was specially arranged, continued for over an hour. During the meeting, the family inquired about Bushra Bibi's well-being and health, and expressed satisfaction over her condition, according to the authorities. After the meeting, the family departed from Adiala Jail.

PTI confirmed Bushra Bibi's surgery in an X post, saying she was "once again taken to a hospital in an emergency and under the cover of darkness." The party added that neither her family nor anyone else is aware of what hospital she was treated at, who her doctors are, or the nature of the surgery.

"After Imran Khan, an emergency concerning Bushra Bibi’s eyesight, her treatment at night, and the mysterious procedures have exposed the jail administration’s claims that she was in good health," PTI added in its post. It stated that Bushra Bibi had been "deprived of basic medical care for a prolonged period," and that her symptoms were ignored, which led to the situation "taking the form of a severe medical emergency."

PTI wrote, "Deliberately delaying treatment while subjecting an unarmed woman to political victimisation is not only a grave violation of human rights but also tantamount to endangering her life," demanding that Bushra Bibi be "immediately provided full medical protection and the best treatment facilities in accordance with her basic legal and human rights."

The party concluded its post by writing that the "Full responsibility for this criminal delay and the serious mishandling of her health lies with the current authorities, who will be held accountable for every moment of negligence."

Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan posted on X: "Late night, I was informed through a message that Bushra BB had been shifted to the hospital last night and that I would be briefed about the treatment".

Late night I was informed thought a message that Bushra BB had been shifted to the hospital last night and that I would be briefed about the treatment. Awaiting that I would request meeting of family members with her. And also meeting of khan sab’s family with him and that khan…

— Barrister Gohar Khan (@BarristerGohar) April 17, 2026

"Awaiting that, I would request a meeting of family members with her. And also a meeting of khan sab’s family with him and that khan sab be shifted to the hospital for treatment", he wrote, adding "the earlier, the better."

The party chairmain noted, "It is their basic right according to law. Their health is too serious and every Pakistani is deeply concerned."

Imran and Bushra Bibi remain incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. They were sentenced on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which pertains to allegations that the couple unlawfully retained a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Read More: Bushra Bibi petitions IHC for urgent relief

In March, Bushra Bibi underwent a medical examination at Adiala Jail after complaining of pain in her right eye. She was reportedly examined by Dr Muhammad Arif Khan, head of the ophthalmology department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The medical report stated that she had been experiencing blurred vision and black spots in her right eye; she also reported seeing flashes in the dark and said she was suffering from headaches.

The examination diagnosed Bushra Bibi with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in her right eye. The report also identified myopia and astigmatism. After the diagnosis, Bushra Bibi was prescribed eye drops and medication, along with the use of glasses. She was reportedly recommended a follow-up medical check-up after four weeks.

Imran, too, had undergone a minor eye procedure in late January. Five days after the procedure, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that doctors at PIMS conducted another examination of Imran's eyes and, after obtaining his written consent, carried out a minor medical procedure that lasted around 20 minutes.

Amid growing concerns over the deterioration of Imran's eyesight in custody at Adiala, the Supreme Court took up the matter following a report submitted by his lawyer, Salman Safdar. The lawyer, acting as amicus curiae, reported that the former premier had lost 85% of vision in his right eye. The report submitted by Safdar also noted that Imran had requested urgent access to specialist doctors regarding his eye.

Then, in March, Imran underwent another medical check-up at Adiala, after which PIMS stated that the former premier had shown significant improvement in his vision. This followed a second dose of an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. The former premier received a third dose of the injection in late March.