Information Minister Attaullah Tarar clarified on Friday that PTI founder Imran Khan underwent a court-ordered medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), rather than Shifa International Hospital, before being returned to Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.
Tarar issued a subsequent statement on X clarifying the venue after media reports initially pointed to Shifa International Hospital, noting, “In light of the security situation created by PTI workers on the way to and outside Al Shifa Hospital, he was taken to PIMS and according to the medical examination, was found healthy.”
He added that specialists from Al Shifa Hospital were present during the check-up and emphasized, “The medical examination was conducted at PIMS in which doctors from Al Shifa Hospital were also present.”
In his initial remarks regarding the overnight transfer, Tarar stated, “In the light of the Supreme Court’s order, the prisoner was taken to the hospital under appropriate security arrangements during the night between August 20 and 21.”
A medical team comprising an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician examined the former prime minister at PIMS, a government facility where he previously received treatment for an eye ailment.
Tarar noted, “A team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a detailed examination of him and declared him medically fit.”
He confirmed that Imran’s sister Uzma Khan remained present throughout the evaluation and added, “After the completion of this entire process, he was shifted back to Adiala jail on the morning of August 21 at approximately 5am.”
Regarding ongoing care, Tarar stated that Imran had received medical treatment in the past and would continue to receive necessary care in the future.
The former premier was taken to Shifa International Hospital in Sector H-8 via Pitras Bokhari Road, entering through Gate No. 1. Law enforcement cordoned off Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South, deploying 800 personnel from various branches.
Islamabad Police Chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi visited the hospital twice to oversee preparations. According to an Islamabad Police security order, the personnel aimed to protect the “life, property and the dignity of citizens”; ensure “security against terrorist acts”; maintain public order; and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
Prior to the transfer, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram posted on X, stating, “Imran Khan sahab will, Insha’Allah, be transferred to the hospital today. We are fully aware of the sentiments of Imran Khan’s supporters, who are eager to catch a glimpse of their leader”. He requested supporters to maintain distance from the hospital to ensure treatment.
The SC bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the transfer order on petitions seeking Imran’s hospitalisation and family meetings.
Justice Waheed authored the order, stating, “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody”.
The order added, “A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care”.
The federal government filed a review petition through Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik, calling the order “discriminatory” and “in excess of jurisdiction”. The SC registrar’s office returned the petition due to incomplete paper books.
Imran’s sister Noreen Niazi met him in the jail conference room on Tuesday, marking her first meeting with him this year. Sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, Dr Uzma Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also attended the court proceedings.
Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 5, 2023, serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case.
