Imran Khan Back Behind Bars After Medical Examination in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail early Friday after undergoing a medical examination at a hospital in Islamabad, a senior government official said.

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan, 73, was taken for the examination under tight security during the night of August 20-21 following an order from the Supreme Court.

A team of doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared Khan medically fit, Tarar said in a statement posted on X.

Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, was present throughout the medical examination and treatment, the minister said.

Khan was returned to Adiala Jail at about 5 a.m. local time on Friday after the medical process was completed, according to Tarar.

The examination followed a Supreme Court order issued Tuesday directing prison authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. However, Tarar said the examination was instead carried out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) because of security concerns involving PTI supporters near Shifa International Hospital.

Doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present at PIMS during the examination, he said.

The Supreme Court had previously allowed Khan to remain in hospital until the next hearing of his case on September 16.

Khan, a former Pakistan cricket captain and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. Khan and his party have repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated.