Imran Khan declared medically fit, shifted to jail

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been shifted back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been declared medically fit and transferred back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical examination, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday.

Khan was moved from prison during the night between August 20 and 21 for a medical assessment. The transfer followed an order from the Supreme Court directing authorities to arrange his examination at a hospital in Islamabad.

According to Tarar, a team of qualified specialists examined Khan. The medical team included an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist and a physician. After conducting a detailed assessment, the doctors declared him medically fit.

Tarar said Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, was present during the medical examination.

The minister also said Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) rather than Shifa International Hospital. He attributed the change of location to security concerns caused by the presence of PTI supporters along the planned route.

Khan was subsequently taken back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi at around 5am on Friday.

The Supreme Court had directed authorities earlier this week to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days. The order also called for him to have access to a medical panel that included his personal physician.

The decision to return Khan to prison could become politically sensitive. PTI supporters had gathered in Islamabad during the night as reports emerged that Khan was being taken to hospital. Some supporters reportedly showered flowers on a vehicle believed to be carrying him.

The PTI had initially indicated that Khan had reached Shifa International Hospital. The party had also interpreted the Supreme Court order as providing an opportunity for him to remain under hospital care for a longer period.

Government officials, however, had previously said that Khan would remain in hospital only if doctors determined that continued treatment was necessary. If the medical team found that he could be treated in prison, he would be returned to jail.

Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces several legal cases. He has repeatedly maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated, while the government rejects the allegation.

His lawyers have raised concerns about his health in prison. They have particularly claimed that his eyesight has deteriorated significantly in his right eye.

The government has maintained that available medical reports did not show any condition requiring immediate hospital treatment.

The latest development comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding Khan’s imprisonment. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari had earlier described the Supreme Court’s intervention as a “new ray of hope” for the party.

The PTI has also announced plans for a nationwide march on September 27. According to the party, the campaign will seek greater access to Khan, faster proceedings in his legal cases and his release.