A four-member medical board that examined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on August 10 assessed his anxiety level at “three-plus” and recommended measures including daily walking, greater family access and opportunities to read newspapers and watch television.
The medical report, which surfaced Tuesday, provides fresh details about the former prime minister’s physical and mental health amid an ongoing controversy over his medical treatment and access to specialist care while he remains incarcerated.
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Four-member board examines Imran Khan
The medical board was constituted by the federal government to assess Imran’s health and included Dr Farqad Alamgir, Dr Arif Khan, Dr Akhtar Ali Bandesha and Dr Ali Arif.
Dr Alamgir, who was called from London for Imran’s treatment, has also emerged as a key figure in recent discussions surrounding the PTI founder’s medical care.
According to the report, the board assessed Imran’s anxiety at three-plus and recommended a one-hour walk every day to help regulate his blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
The doctors also recommended that Imran be allowed access to newspapers, television and books. They further suggested increasing his meetings with his wife as part of measures to reduce mental stress.
The recommendations came as questions continued to be raised over the former prime minister’s health and the arrangements for his treatment inside Adiala Jail.
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Blood pressure recorded at 140/80
The August 10 examination followed an earlier medical assessment conducted by consultant cardiologist Dr Akhtar Ali Bandesha on August 1.
During that examination, Imran reportedly complained of fluctuations in blood pressure, headaches and anxiety. His blood pressure was recorded at 140/100, while his pulse rate stood at 50 beats per minute.
Dr Bandesha had similarly recommended that Imran be given more opportunities to meet his wife. He also suggested access to newspapers and television to help alleviate mental stress.
During the August 10 examination, Imran’s blood pressure had improved to 140/80, while his pulse rate was recorded at 54 beats per minute.
The report said he did not complain of chest pain, heaviness, shortness of breath or palpitations.
His electrocardiogram (ECG) was found to be normal. An echocardiogram also showed that his heart chambers and valves were normal, according to the medical assessment.
Eye condition shows improvement
The medical report also provided an update on Imran’s eye condition.
The PTI founder had previously been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition that affects blood flow through a vein in the retina and can impair vision.
According to the Adiala Jail report, his affected eye had almost regained normal vision following treatment.
The development comes after months of concern expressed by PTI leaders and Imran’s family over his access to specialist medical treatment while in prison.
39 medical check-ups conducted
An Adiala Jail report submitted to the Supreme Court on August 17 stated that Imran had undergone 39 medical check-ups by different specialists between November 2023 and August 10, 2026.
The extensive number of examinations was cited as authorities faced continued scrutiny over the former prime minister’s health and medical care.
The issue subsequently reached the Supreme Court, which on August 18 directed authorities to transfer Imran to Shifa International Hospital for a medical assessment and treatment.
The apex court also sought Imran’s complete medical record.
However, instead of transferring him to Shifa International Hospital, the government took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), citing security concerns.
Imran examined at PIMS
Imran was taken to PIMS during the night of August 20-21, where doctors carried out a detailed medical examination.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later said the medical team included an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician.
According to Tarar, the doctors declared Imran medically fit before he was taken back to Adiala Jail.
The government’s decision to take Imran to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital became another point of contention amid the wider dispute over his medical treatment.
PIMS administration later clarified that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital had participated in the examination of Imran’s eye, while PIMS specialists conducted his other medical tests.
The hospital subsequently confirmed that its medical board had finalised Imran’s medical fitness report, although its contents were not made public.
Medical care remains politically sensitive
The newly surfaced August 10 report is likely to add further focus to the debate surrounding Imran’s health and treatment in prison.
While the medical board found no major cardiac abnormality in the tests detailed in the report, it highlighted anxiety and recommended lifestyle and social measures to help manage his condition.
The recommendations for a daily one-hour walk, access to reading material and television, and increased meetings with his wife indicate that the board considered mental stress an important aspect of his overall wellbeing.
The controversy over Imran’s medical treatment comes as the PTI founder continues to face legal proceedings and remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail. His party and family have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and access to appropriate medical care, while the government has maintained that he is receiving necessary treatment and regular medical assessments.
The latest report provides further details of those assessments but also keeps the focus on the broader question of how Imran’s medical needs should be managed while he remains in custody.
