Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, just hours after he was taken to a private hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination following an order from the country’s Supreme Court.
The 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was transferred to Shifa International Hospital early Friday under heavy security. He underwent a medical examination before being returned to prison, according to a spokesperson for his party.
The brief hospital visit came amid growing concerns over Khan’s health, particularly reports of serious vision problems affecting his right eye.
Supreme Court had ordered hospital examination
Khan’s transfer followed an order from Pakistan’s Supreme Court directing authorities to take him to Shifa International Hospital for a medical evaluation.
The court had also directed that a medical panel examine Khan and include his personal physician in the process. The order came after his family and legal team repeatedly raised concerns about his health and sought access to specialised medical treatment.
Authorities subsequently moved him from Adiala Jail to the Islamabad hospital early Friday.
The examination was carried out by a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, according to reports.
Imran Khan returned to Adiala Jail
After the medical examination, Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
His return came only a few hours after his arrival at the hospital, ending speculation over whether he would remain there for further treatment.
A PTI spokesperson confirmed that Khan had been moved back to prison after the examination.
The government has maintained that Khan was medically fit to remain in custody following the examination.
Health concerns centre on vision loss
Khan’s health has been a major point of concern for his family and supporters in recent months.
His legal team has reported significant loss of vision in his right eye and has argued that he requires specialised medical attention. The government, however, has disputed claims that his condition requires urgent treatment outside prison facilities.
The medical examination at Shifa International Hospital was therefore closely watched by both Khan’s supporters and Pakistani authorities.
Reports said an ophthalmologist was among the specialists who examined him.
Government says he was fit to return to prison
Following the examination, government officials maintained that there was no immediate medical reason for Khan to remain in hospital.
The authorities have also argued that prisoners should generally receive treatment within prison medical facilities or at government hospitals unless specialised care is necessary.
The government had previously sought clarification from the Supreme Court over its order allowing Khan to be examined at a private hospital, raising concerns about whether similar arrangements could be demanded for other prisoners.
Family and PTI have raised concerns
Khan’s family and PTI leaders have repeatedly expressed concern about his health and access to medical care.
His sister was present during the examination at the hospital, according to reports. The Supreme Court had specifically required that Khan’s personal doctor be involved in the medical assessment.
His supporters have argued that his prolonged imprisonment and restricted access to specialised treatment could worsen his condition.
The government has rejected claims that he is being denied necessary medical care.
Khan has been in prison since 2023
The former cricket star and politician has been incarcerated since August 2023 and remains involved in several legal cases.
Khan and his political party have repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated, while Pakistani authorities have rejected those allegations.
His imprisonment has remained one of the biggest sources of political tension in Pakistan, with PTI supporters continuing to demand his release.
Political tensions remain high
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged political confrontation between Khan’s PTI and Pakistan’s government and military establishment.
Khan was removed as prime minister through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He subsequently became the country’s most prominent opposition figure before being arrested in 2023.
Since then, his imprisonment and legal battles have remained central issues in Pakistani politics.
The Supreme Court’s intervention over his medical examination has added another dimension to the dispute.
Brief hospital stay draws attention
Khan’s transfer to a private hospital had initially raised expectations among his supporters that he could receive more extensive medical treatment.
Instead, he was returned to prison after undergoing the examination.
The short duration of the hospital visit has prompted renewed discussion about the extent of his health problems and whether further treatment will be recommended.
For now, authorities have returned him to the same prison where he has been held.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is likely to be on the findings of the medical examination and whether Khan’s doctors recommend additional treatment.
If further specialised care is considered necessary, questions could arise over whether he will be allowed another hospital visit or whether treatment will take place within the prison system.
His family and legal team are also expected to continue monitoring his health.
The development could further intensify political debate if PTI argues that the brief examination did not adequately address his medical concerns.
Conclusion
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been returned to Adiala Jail after spending a few hours at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination ordered by the Supreme Court.
The examination was conducted amid concerns over Khan’s health, particularly reported vision loss in his right eye. A specialist medical team, including an ophthalmologist, examined him before authorities took him back to prison.
While the government says Khan was medically fit to remain in custody, his family and PTI have continued to raise concerns about his health and access to specialised treatment. The medical findings and any decision on further treatment are now likely to determine the next step in the closely watched case.