ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been transferred back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a detailed medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday.
According to Tarar, Imran Khan was taken to the hospital late Thursday night under heightened security arrangements in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives. A team of doctors examined him during his stay at the hospital.
The medical team included specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology and general medicine. Tarar said the doctors declared Khan medically fit following the examination and treatment procedures.
Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was also present during the medical examination and treatment process. After the medical procedures were completed, Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail at around 5am on Friday.
Supreme Court Ordered Hospital Transfer
The transfer to Shifa International Hospital came after the Supreme Court ordered earlier this week that Imran Khan be shifted to the facility for medical treatment for several days.
The court had also directed the government to facilitate weekly meetings between Khan and his family and provide access to his personal medical team.
The hospital transfer took place under strict security arrangements. Police personnel were deployed around the hospital, while security barriers were established and some routes leading to the facility were temporarily restricted.
PTI leaders had also urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital, following the Supreme Court’s directions restricting political activity, demonstrations and media briefings in the vicinity during Khan’s treatment.
PTI Raised Concerns Over Delay
The development followed criticism from Imran Khan’s legal team and PTI leadership over an alleged delay in implementing the Supreme Court order.
Khan’s lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry had warned that he could approach the Supreme Court with a contempt petition if the court’s directives regarding Khan’s transfer were not implemented.
The Supreme Court’s decision was based on recommendations from a medical board and a report submitted by the Adiala Jail superintendent. The reports called for greater access to Khan’s immediate family and spouse amid concerns related to his blood pressure and anxiety.
Medical Board and Family Access
The Supreme Court also directed that Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, be given access to him. A medical board comprising a cardiologist, eye specialist and general physician was ordered to oversee his treatment, with Dr Uzma Khan also associated with the board.
The court directed Khan’s family to bear the cost of his treatment and ordered that his medical reports remain confidential and not be used for political purposes.
It also directed authorities to make arrangements for Imran Khan to communicate with his children by telephone.
Meanwhile, the government has challenged the hospital-transfer decision, describing the Supreme Court’s order as discriminatory and filing a review petition.
The petition was reportedly returned by the court registrar’s office over procedural objections and was expected to be resubmitted after the issues were addressed.
The Supreme Court has also warned that its directives could be withdrawn if they are violated, while allowing the government and other parties to approach the court if they believe the orders are not being properly implemented.
