Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a detailed medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, according to reports from Pakistani media and officials.
Khan, 73, was moved from the prison to the private hospital late at night following a Supreme Court directive that called for specialised medical attention amid concerns over his health. After completing a series of examinations, doctors reportedly found him medically fit to return to custody.
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said a team of specialists, including a cardiologist, an ophthalmologist and a physician, examined the former prime minister. Following the medical assessment and completion of the required procedures, Khan was transported back to Adiala Jail under heavy security.
According to reports, stringent security arrangements were in place during his journey between the prison and the hospital. Khan has since been returned to his cell.
His brief stay at Shifa International Hospital also drew supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, with a number of party workers gathering outside the medical facility.
Why Was Imran Khan Taken to Hospital?
Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 and continues to face several legal cases. The PTI founder has maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated, while the Pakistani government has rejected those allegations.
His lawyers and party members have raised concerns about his health, claiming that his condition had worsened during his time in custody. They have also alleged that Khan has suffered a significant decline in vision in his right eye.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed authorities to arrange specialised medical care for Khan and allow access to a medical panel that included his personal physician. The order reportedly required his transfer to Shifa International Hospital within a specified timeframe.
However, the government later sought a review of the court’s order. Authorities have maintained that the medical reports available to them did not indicate any condition requiring urgent treatment.
Pakistan Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had also questioned the decision to arrange treatment at a private hospital, arguing that under existing rules, a convicted prisoner should receive medical care either within the prison system or at a government hospital.
The issue gained further momentum after PTI warned that it could approach the court with contempt proceedings if the Supreme Court’s directions regarding Khan’s medical treatment were not implemented.
Subsequently, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would comply fully with the Supreme Court’s decision, while maintaining that there had been no intention to ignore or delay the implementation of the order.
With the medical examination now completed and doctors reportedly declaring him fit, Imran Khan has been returned to Adiala Jail, where he remains in custody.
