Islamabad: Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday morning following a medical examination at a private hospital in the capital. The move came after the Supreme Court ordered his transfer for a medical assessment due to reported severe anxiety.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Khan, 73, was taken to Shifa International Hospital late Thursday night in compliance with the apex court’s August 18 directive. The court’s order was issued after a medical report indicated that the former premier was suffering from “level three plus” anxiety, a condition characterized by severe worry that significantly impacts daily tasks, causes physical strain, and hinders clear thinking.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed Khan’s return to Adiala Jail via a social media post, stating that the prisoner was moved to the hospital under adequate security arrangements during the night between August 20 and 21. He noted that a team of qualified doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology, and general medicine, conducted a comprehensive examination. His sister, Uzma Khan, was present throughout the medical process. Following the completion of the medical procedures, Khan was returned to Adiala Jail around 5 a.m.
Earlier, Zulfi Bukhari, the international spokesperson for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, had corroborated the movement of the PTI founder from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital, citing the Supreme Court’s order. Khan had been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since his arrest on August 5, 2023, on various charges, including corruption.
The Supreme Court had on Tuesday directed that Khan be admitted to Shifa International Hospital within two days and remain there until the next hearing scheduled for September 16. However, the government subsequently filed a review petition seeking the recall of this order. The court’s registrar’s office reportedly returned the petition due to incomplete documentation.
Khan’s party had indicated its intention to file a contempt of court petition against the government if he was not admitted to the hospital by Thursday midnight. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, had earlier asserted that there was no strict deadline for Khan’s hospital transfer.
Concerns regarding Khan’s health have been consistently raised by his family and supporters. A notable concern has been an eye condition, diagnosed as right central retinal vein occlusion, which came to light in late January. He had been taken for eye treatment multiple times in the preceding months, fueling demands for his transfer to a private hospital.
Relatives and party colleagues of Khan have frequently alleged human rights violations and accused authorities of limiting his access to proper medical care, family visits, and legal counsel while he has been in custody.
The Chenab Times News Desk