Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been taken back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International
Hospital in Islamabad, where a team of six specialist doctors reportedly found that he could safely continue his imprisonment, Geo News reported.
Khan was transported from Adiala Jail to the hospital under tight security, with a police escort accompanying him throughout the journey.
At the hospital, the former prime minister underwent a detailed health assessment by the specialist medical panel. After completing the examination, doctors concluded that there was no immediate medical reason requiring him to remain hospitalised.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad early Friday, following an order from Pakistan’s Supreme Court directing authorities to provide him specialised medical care.
The 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was transferred for medical evaluation after his family and party repeatedly raised concerns about his health during his imprisonment.
“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following Supreme Court order,” PTI said.
The Supreme Court had ordered authorities earlier this week to move Khan to the private hospital within 48 hours. It also directed that he be examined by a medical panel that would include his personal physician.
According to the order, Khan is to remain at the hospital until the court’s next hearing on September 16.
The government had initially agreed to comply with the directive but later sought a review of the decision.
Khan’s health has been a source of concern for his family and supporters for several months. His lawyers have alleged that his condition deteriorated in prison, including significant loss of vision in his right eye.
He was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in January and has since been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for treatment on several occasions.
The government has maintained that his medical reports did not show a condition requiring immediate hospitalisation.
Khan’s party welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari described the ruling as a “new ray of hope”, while making clear that the party would continue with its planned nationwide march on September 27.
The proposed protest is expected to demand better access for Khan to supporters, quicker hearings in his legal cases and his release.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases and convictions, which he maintains are politically motivated. The government has rejected those allegations.
His imprisonment followed years of political confrontation between PTI and Pakistan’s military establishment. Khan, a former international cricketer, became prime minister in 2018 before being removed through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022.
