RAWALPINDI: Bushra Bibi, spouse of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, was shifted back to Adiala Jail on Friday after undergoing eye surgery at a private hospital, jail authorities confirmed.
According to an official statement, Bushra Bibi had complained of vision problems in her right eye and was examined by specialists, who diagnosed retinal detachment. Doctors subsequently recommended immediate surgery.
She was moved to a private medical facility in Rawalpindi on Thursday evening, where pre-operative tests were conducted before the procedure. The surgery was performed by Prof Dr Nadeem Qureshi and a team of medical experts.
Officials said she was discharged after the operation and an overnight stay and later transferred back to prison. Post-operative care and follow-up examinations will continue in line with medical advice.
Legal background and health concerns
Bushra Bibi is currently serving a seven-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case. In December 2025, she was also sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case, linked to the purchase of a jewellery set gifted during an official visit.
Her party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has raised concerns about her health and called for proper medical care.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said earlier that he had been informed of her hospitalisation and urged authorities to allow family access, calling it a “basic right”.
He also demanded that Imran Khan’s family be allowed to meet him and that he receive medical attention if required.
Family and medical updates
Bushra Bibi’s sister, Maryam Riaz Wattoo, said family members had reached Islamabad ahead of the procedure and appealed for prayers, describing the surgery as critical.
Reports circulating on social media had earlier suggested she had been experiencing blurred vision, headaches and flashes in her right eye, though their authenticity could not be independently verified.
Separately, PTI claimed she had been diagnosed with posterior vitreous detachment, along with myopia and astigmatism, describing the situation as concerning.
Broader concerns
The case has drawn international attention. A United Nations expert had earlier warned that Bushra Bibi’s detention conditions could pose risks to her physical and mental health.
Similar concerns were raised regarding Imran Khan’s detention, with calls for Pakistani authorities to ensure compliance with international standards for prisoners’ welfare.