Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan shifted to Islamabad hospital for treatment

Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment following a direction from the Supreme Court, according to reports.

Imran Khan was taken from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that he be moved to a private hospital of his choice for medical evaluation.

Security was tightened around the hospital ahead of his arrival, with Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police and senior police officials reportedly reaching the facility. Doctors Faisal and Uzma also arrived at Adiala Jail after the Supreme Court directed that they accompany Khan during his transfer.

Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, was also reported to have reached Gate No. 5 of Adiala Jail.

Supreme Court orders medical examination

The transfer followed the Supreme Court’s direction that Khan undergo an examination by a medical board, including his personal physician. The order came amid continuing concerns over his health during his imprisonment.

The government had sought clarification on whether the medical relief granted to Khan could extend to other prisoners. The court did not entertain the application on technical grounds and directed the authorities to complete the necessary paperwork.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would comply with the court’s order. He also indicated that authorities could consider treatment at a private hospital or abroad if adequate medical facilities were not available at a government hospital.

Concerns over Khan’s eyesight

Khan’s health has been a subject of concern during his imprisonment. His family had previously claimed that he had lost around 85% of the vision in his right eye. The government disputed the claim and later said that his eyesight had improved, with officials reporting that he had regained around 70% of the vision.

The disagreement over his medical condition had contributed to calls for Khan to receive treatment outside prison.

Tight security around hospital

Security arrangements were intensified at Shifa International Hospital before Khan’s reported arrival. He was transported from Gate No. 5 of Adiala Jail, while arrangements were reportedly made for his entry through Gate No. 1 at the hospital.

The transfer took place as the deadline set by the Supreme Court for the government to take Khan to a hospital approached.

Imran Khan’s imprisonment

Khan has been imprisoned since August 5, 2023, following convictions in several cases. He is serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case.

The former Pakistan prime minister and cricketer was removed from office after a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. His imprisonment has remained a major issue in Pakistan’s political landscape, with his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continuing to demand relief for its leader.

Khan’s transfer places his medical treatment under increased judicial and political scrutiny. The Supreme Court’s direction indicates that his health concerns have become significant enough to require examination outside the prison system.

The episode also highlights the continuing tension between the authorities and Khan’s supporters over his imprisonment and access to medical care. Any further court directions or medical findings could influence the wider debate over his detention and the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan.