Information minister says former premier was examined by specialist doctors at PIMS before returning to Adiala Jail
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination in the early hours of August 21 and was subsequently shifted back to Adiala Jail.
In a statement on X, Tarar said Imran Khan was taken to the hospital between the night of August 20 and August 21 under “appropriate security arrangements”.
He said a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed medical examination and declared Imran Khan “medically fit”.
Tarar said Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, remained present throughout the medical examination and treatment process.
“Imran was taken back to Adiala jail at around 5am on August 21 after the medical examination process was completed,” he said.
In a subsequent statement, the minister clarified that the examination took place at PIMS, with doctors from Shifa International Hospital also present.
Security concerns led to PIMS examination
Tarar said Imran Khan was taken to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital because of the security situation allegedly created by PTI workers along the route to and outside Shifa.
He said the government had provided medical facilities to Imran Khan in the past and would continue to provide treatment whenever required.
The minister’s clarification came after earlier media reports that Imran Khan had been taken to Shifa International Hospital in the early hours of Friday.
He was reportedly taken from Adiala Jail’s Gate No. 1 under heightened security, with a police escort accompanying the convoy.
Supreme Court had ordered medical examination
The development follows the Supreme Court’s order directing authorities to transfer the incarcerated former prime minister to a medical facility within two days for medical assessment and treatment.
The federal government subsequently filed a review petition challenging the order. However, the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office returned the petition on Thursday after raising objections.
The government is expected to address the objections before deciding its next legal course.
Possibility of treatment abroad
Meanwhile, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has raised the possibility of Imran Khan being sent abroad for medical treatment.
Imran Khan, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions in several cases that he and his party describe as politically motivated.
He has faced multiple legal proceedings since his removal as prime minister in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote.