Imran Khan Returns to Prison After Hospital Examination
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved back to prison early Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan was examined by a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. The medical assessment followed concerns raised by Khan’s lawyers about his health and access to specialist treatment while in custody.
The examination came after the Supreme Court ordered authorities to take the former premier to hospital within 48 hours. The court also directed that his family be allowed to meet him as part of the relief granted.
The Supreme Court’s Tuesday order marked one of the most significant judicial interventions concerning Khan’s health since his imprisonment in 2023.
The court directed that he be examined by specialist physicians, with particular attention to his reported eyesight problems. Judges stressed the state’s responsibility to protect the life, health, dignity and security of a prisoner.
The order also allowed Khan to meet family members, after months without such access. His sister, Azma Khan, visited him on Tuesday night and was reportedly present throughout the medical examination at the hospital.
Khan’s legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and access to specialised medical care during his imprisonment.
His lawyers have said the 73 year old former prime minister suffers from several health issues, including serious problems with his eyesight. Earlier this year, one of his lawyers claimed Khan had only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye, an allegation disputed by the government.
The Supreme Court’s decision to involve an ophthalmologist reflected the seriousness of the concerns surrounding his vision. The hospital assessment was intended to provide an independent medical evaluation and determine the treatment required.
Khan’s arrival at Shifa International Hospital was accompanied by heightened security, with the surrounding area sealed off by police and barriers placed around the facility.
Police vehicles, armoured vehicles and officers were deployed around the hospital, while traffic was also cleared from nearby roads. The security measures reflected concerns over large gatherings by Khan’s supporters.
The Supreme Court had specifically directed Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, not to hold news conferences outside the hospital. Supporters were also warned against gathering at the site, as the court sought to prevent the medical visit from becoming a political mobilisation.
Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023 and continues to face more than 100 cases, including allegations involving state secrets and the sale of state gifts. He has consistently rejected the charges as politically motivated.
His imprisonment has remained a major issue in Pakistan’s political landscape, with his supporters continuing to demand his release and challenge his legal proceedings.
Despite his prolonged incarceration, Khan remains a powerful political figure with a substantial support base. His hospital examination and subsequent return to prison are therefore likely to remain closely watched developments in Pakistan’s ongoing political story.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved back to prison early Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved back to prison early Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan was examined by a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. The medical assessment followed concerns raised by Khan’s lawyers about his health and access to specialist treatment while in custody.
The examination came after the Supreme Court ordered authorities to take the former premier to hospital within 48 hours. The court also directed that his family be allowed to meet him as part of the relief granted.
The Supreme Court’s Tuesday order marked one of the most significant judicial interventions concerning Khan’s health since his imprisonment in 2023.
The court directed that he be examined by specialist physicians, with particular attention to his reported eyesight problems. Judges stressed the state’s responsibility to protect the life, health, dignity and security of a prisoner.
The order also allowed Khan to meet family members, after months without such access. His sister, Azma Khan, visited him on Tuesday night and was reportedly present throughout the medical examination at the hospital.
Khan’s legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and access to specialised medical care during his imprisonment.
His lawyers have said the 73 year old former prime minister suffers from several health issues, including serious problems with his eyesight. Earlier this year, one of his lawyers claimed Khan had only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye, an allegation disputed by the government.
The Supreme Court’s decision to involve an ophthalmologist reflected the seriousness of the concerns surrounding his vision. The hospital assessment was intended to provide an independent medical evaluation and determine the treatment required.
Khan’s arrival at Shifa International Hospital was accompanied by heightened security, with the surrounding area sealed off by police and barriers placed around the facility.
Police vehicles, armoured vehicles and officers were deployed around the hospital, while traffic was also cleared from nearby roads. The security measures reflected concerns over large gatherings by Khan’s supporters.
The Supreme Court had specifically directed Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, not to hold news conferences outside the hospital. Supporters were also warned against gathering at the site, as the court sought to prevent the medical visit from becoming a political mobilisation.
Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023 and continues to face more than 100 cases, including allegations involving state secrets and the sale of state gifts. He has consistently rejected the charges as politically motivated.
His imprisonment has remained a major issue in Pakistan’s political landscape, with his supporters continuing to demand his release and challenge his legal proceedings.
Despite his prolonged incarceration, Khan remains a powerful political figure with a substantial support base. His hospital examination and subsequent return to prison are therefore likely to remain closely watched developments in Pakistan’s ongoing political story.
