Imran Khan back in jail after hospital check-up: Doctors find ‘no need for admission’

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was taken from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination following a Supreme Court directive, but was returned to prison after doctors assessed him.

Imran Khan, 73, was shifted from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad in the early hours of Friday under heavy security.

The transfer followed an order by Pakistan's Supreme Court directing authorities to move the incarcerated former prime minister to a private hospital for a comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment.

However, Khan's hospital stay lasted only a few hours. According to Pakistani media reports, he underwent a medical examination before being taken back to Adiala Jail.

Geo News reported that a six-member team of specialist doctors examined Khan and subsequently deemed it safe for him to remain in custody. Jail sources later said he was returned to Adiala Jail and taken back to his cell.

Why was Imran Khan taken to hospital?

The Supreme Court's intervention followed concerns about Khan's health during his imprisonment.

A report submitted by the Adiala Jail superintendent to the court referred to health complaints including fluctuating and uncontrolled blood pressure, palpitations, headaches and restlessness.

According to the report cited by Dawn, Dr Akhtar Ali Bandeshah of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences had examined Khan on August 1.

The report also indicated that Khan had linked some of his stress and symptoms to limited contact with his wife, family and social circle, as well as restricted access to newspapers and television.

The Supreme Court subsequently ordered the government to take him to a private hospital for medical evaluation and care.

What happened at Shifa International Hospital?

Khan was taken to Shifa International Hospital amid extensive security arrangements.

More than 800 personnel from different law-enforcement units were reportedly deployed around the hospital and along the route.

Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi visited the facility to review the security arrangements.

Officials from the capital administration, police, jail authorities and Rangers were also involved in preparations for the transfer.

Roads around the hospital were reportedly cordoned off ahead of Khan's arrival.

Why was he sent back to jail?

After the medical examination, Pakistani media reported that doctors considered Khan fit to remain in custody.

Geo News reported that the six-member specialist medical team examined him before he was returned to Adiala Jail.

The former prime minister was therefore not kept at the hospital for prolonged treatment after the examination.

PTI asks supporters to stay away

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital.

The party said the decision was taken after consultations involving PTI leadership, Khan's family and the party's core committee.

The appeal was aimed at ensuring that Khan's medical examination could take place without disruption.

Arif Alvi reacts to hospital transfer

Former Pakistan president Arif Alvi welcomed the Supreme Court-directed transfer and described it as a “beginning of real justice finally taking its course”.

Alvi also referred to Khan's prolonged imprisonment and called for peace and healing in Pakistan.

His comments came as Khan was taken to hospital for the court-ordered medical assessment.

How long has Imran Khan been in jail?

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 after facing convictions in multiple cases.

The 73-year-old former cricketer and politician was removed as Pakistan's prime minister in April 2022 after a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

His party has repeatedly described the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated, while Pakistani authorities and courts have pursued cases against the former premier.

He is currently serving a 14-year sentence linked to the Toshakhana case, according to the reports cited.

What happens next?

Khan has been returned to Adiala Jail following the medical examination.

The immediate issue is whether further medical treatment or additional examinations will be required. The Supreme Court's intervention had specifically sought comprehensive medical evaluation and care at a private facility.

The latest hospital visit therefore does not amount to a release from prison. Khan remains in custody while his legal and political battles continue.

The hospital transfer is significant because it followed a direct intervention by Pakistan's Supreme Court over the health concerns of a former prime minister who has remained imprisoned since 2023.

The brief hospitalisation also highlights the tension between medical concerns and Khan's continued detention. The court ordered an examination and treatment at a private facility, while doctors subsequently assessed him before his return to custody.

The heavy security deployment and PTI's appeal against gatherings outside the hospital underline the political sensitivity surrounding Khan. Any development involving his health, detention or possible release has the potential to draw a strong reaction from his supporters and opponents.

For now, the key development is that Khan was taken to Shifa International Hospital for the court-directed medical examination but was returned to Adiala Jail after the assessment.