ISLAMABAD: PTI founder Imran Khan was taken for a medical examination in the early hours of Friday and later returned to Adiala Jail after doctors declared him medically fit, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.
In a statement on X, Tarar said Imran was taken for a medical examination between the night of August 20 and August 21 under heightened security arrangements.
He said a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared the former prime minister medically fit.
According to Tarar, Imran’s sister Uzma Khan remained present throughout the medical examination and treatment process.
He said Imran was taken back to Adiala Jail at around 5am after the examination was completed.
In a subsequent post on X, Tarar said the examination was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with doctors from Shifa International Hospital also present.
The minister said Imran was taken to PIMS instead of Shifa due to the security situation allegedly created by PTI workers along the route and outside the private hospital.
Tarar added that medical facilities had been provided to Imran in the past and would continue to be made available whenever required.
The minister’s statement came hours after reports that Imran had undergone a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
He was taken from Adiala Jail’s Gate No. 1 under tight security, with a police escort accompanying the vehicle.
The development followed a Supreme Court order directing authorities to transfer Imran to a medical facility within two days after considering his health condition.
The federal government subsequently filed a review petition challenging aspects of the court’s decision. However, the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the petition on Thursday after raising objections.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has also raised the possibility of sending Imran abroad if specialised medical treatment is required.
Imran, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He and PTI have described the cases as politically motivated. His imprisonment followed multiple legal proceedings after his removal as prime minister through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
PTI rejects speculation over Bani Gala transfer
PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja said it was too early to suggest that Imran would be shifted from hospital to his Bani Gala residence.
Raja said any building could be declared a sub-jail if the relevant authorities decided to do so.
He added that such an option could be considered if medical experts determined that returning Imran to prison would negatively affect his health.
Raja said a report submitted to the court indicated that prison conditions were causing anxiety for the PTI founder.
“These are all possible options,” he said.
Zulfi Bukhari says Imran would avoid confrontation
PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari told Reuters that Imran would not seek confrontation with the Pakistan Army or Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir if released.
Bukhari said Imran would not take any step that could damage Pakistan, describing him as a magnanimous person.
He said this did not mean the former prime minister would seek confrontation with the military leadership.
Bukhari described the Supreme Court ruling as a “new ray of hope” and said PTI would follow the court’s direction against gathering outside the hospital.
He said senior party leaders had not spoken to Imran for around eight months.
Bukhari, who is currently in self-imposed exile in Dubai, said some senior PTI leaders in hiding could participate in or help organise future mobilisation.
Government challenges Supreme Court order
In its review petition, the federal government argued that the Supreme Court’s August 18 interim order directing Imran’s transfer to a private hospital exceeded its jurisdiction.
The government maintained that relevant statutory provisions governing the treatment and transfer of prisoners had not been fully considered.
It argued that prisoners transferred from jail to hospitals are required to remain under police supervision under existing rules.
The petition also cited Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, which outlines the procedure for transferring prisoners to hospitals.
The government said Imran had undergone medical examinations previously and had received treatment from medical boards on several occasions.
It further argued that medical experts should have been consulted before a decision was made to transfer him on health grounds.
The petition noted that Imran had sought treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but the Islamabad High Court rejected his request on March 12. The matter was subsequently taken to the Supreme Court.
What the Supreme Court ordered
In its order issued on Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed Adiala Jail authorities to transfer Imran to Shifa International Hospital within two days for medical assessment and treatment.
The court also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess his condition and oversee his treatment.
It directed that Dr Uzma and Imran’s personal physician be present during his medical assessment and treatment. The expenses were to be borne by his family.
Authorities were instructed to ensure tight security during the transfer and complete the necessary arrangements within the stipulated period.
The court also warned that violations of its directions could lead to the withdrawal of facilities currently being provided to the PTI founder.
Following the ruling, PTI welcomed the decision and urged its supporters not to gather outside the medical facility.