Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has been shifted back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical examination in Islamabad, following a Supreme Court order directing authorities to move him to hospital over concerns about his health.
Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) during the night between Thursday and Friday and was examined by a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the doctors declared Khan “medically fit” following the examination. His sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was also present throughout the process.
Khan was subsequently taken back to Adiala Jail at around 5am on Friday.
Supreme Court Had Ordered Hospital Transfer
The hospital visit came after the Supreme Court ordered earlier this week that Khan be shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment.
The court’s intervention followed concerns raised over Imran Khan’s health, particularly his blood pressure, heart-related symptoms and eyesight. The court also ordered that his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, be given access to him and that a medical board comprising relevant specialists be involved in his care.
The Supreme Court further directed authorities to facilitate regular meetings between Khan and his family, including weekly meetings, while arrangements were also to be made for him to speak to his children by telephone.
The court emphasised that imprisonment does not take away a prisoner’s right to necessary medical care and humane treatment.
Why Was Khan Taken to PIMS Instead of Shifa?
Although the Supreme Court had specifically named Shifa International Hospital, Khan was ultimately taken to PIMS, a government-run hospital.
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the decision was made because of the security situation around Shifa, where a large police deployment had been arranged ahead of Khan’s expected arrival. Tarar said the presence of PTI workers and the resulting security concerns prompted authorities to change the location.
He also said doctors from Shifa were present during Khan’s examination at PIMS.
The change has nevertheless drawn criticism from Khan’s family and PTI, who have questioned whether the Supreme Court’s order was followed as directed. Khan’s personal physician and his sister have also raised concerns about how the hospital visit was handled.
Concerns Over Khan’s Health
Khan’s health has been a growing concern for his family and party during his imprisonment. Medical reports submitted to the Supreme Court had previously mentioned fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches and anxiety. Doctors had recommended measures to reduce his stress, including greater contact with his family and access to reading material and other activities.
His eyesight has also been a major concern. Khan had previously received treatment for an eye condition at PIMS, with doctors later reporting an improvement in his vision. The latest examination, however, resulted in the government declaring him medically fit.
For now, the former prime minister is back at Adiala Jail after an overnight medical examination ordered by the country’s highest court.
Sources: Dawn, Tribune, BBC