Islamabad: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was returned to Adiala Jail early Friday after undergoing medical examinations at the public Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad. This transfer follows a Supreme Court mandate for medical checks at a private facility, Shifa International Hospital, which was not fulfilled.
According to France24.com, the court had ordered on Tuesday that Khan should be taken to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours due to concerns raised by his legal team about his deteriorating health. However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the decision to use the public hospital was due to security concerns stemming from Khan's supporters gathering at the private clinic.
Imran Khan, alongside his wife Bushra Bibi, had been sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year. Khan, once a celebrated cricket captain, is a prominent political figure in Pakistan, and his ongoing legal battles have sparked widespread interest and controversy.
Minister Tarar explained that a qualified team of doctors, including specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology, and general medicine, conducted a comprehensive health assessment and found Khan to be in good health. Following this evaluation, Khan was transported back to prison.
Notably, Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, a medical professional herself, was present during the examination. This development comes amidst heightened security measures, with hundreds of police officers deployed and roads cordoned off near the private hospital.
Khan, aged 73, who has previously undergone eye treatment at PIMS, had family and legal representatives express concerns over his vision, particularly in his right eye. His return to prison occurs as he awaits his next hearing at the Supreme Court, scheduled for September 16.