Pakistan: Pakistan’s former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has been sent back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Rawalpindi. A six-member team of specialist doctors examined Khan and, according to sources cited by Geo News, determined that he could safely remain in prison.
Khan was transferred to the hospital under heightened security following a Supreme Court order directing authorities to move him to a medical facility for assessment and treatment. A PTI spokesperson told Reuters that Khan spent several hours at the hospital overnight before being returned to prison.
Why was Imran Khan shifted to Shifa International Hospital?
The Supreme Court had ordered Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa Hospital within two days for medical assessment and treatment. The court also directed the formation of a medical board and ordered that Khan’s personal physician and Dr Uzma be present during his medical assessment and treatment.
The federal government challenged the Supreme Court’s order through a review petition, arguing that the transfer exceeded the court’s jurisdiction and that existing prison rules governed the transfer of prisoners to hospitals. The registrar’s office subsequently returned the petition after raising objections.
What happened after the medical examination?
Following the examination, doctors reportedly concluded that Khan’s condition allowed him to remain in prison, after which he was shifted back to his cell at Adiala Jail. PTI leaders had discussed possible alternatives, including declaring another residence a sub-jail, if medical experts found that returning him to prison could harm his health.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari said the party viewed the Supreme Court ruling as a new “ray of hope” and indicated that Khan would not seek confrontation with the military leadership if released.