Imran Khan taken back to jail after medical check-up, 'declared medically fit'

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken back to Adiala Jail after undergoing a medical check-up at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, a spokesman for his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said.

Taken to hospital

Khan (73) was taken to the hospital around midnight on Thursday (August 20) for a medical assessment, following an order from Pakistan’s Supreme Court, which directed the authorities to arrange specialised care for him amid concerns over his health.

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According to reports in Pakistani media, doctors assessed Khan and found it safe for him to remain in custody, after which he was taken back to prison. Khan has since been moved to his cell.

'Declared medically fit'

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the former premier had been taken back to Adiala Jail after being examined at the hospital.

"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,” the minister stated in a social media post.

However, he did not name Khan nor Shifa International Hospital in his post.

"A team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a detailed examination of him and declared him medically fit. His sister, Uzma Khan, remained present during all stages of the medical examination/treatment," Tarar said.

After the completion of the entire medical process, he was shifted back to Adiala jail "at approximately 5 am", he said, without naming the deposed prime minister.

Pak SC orders medical assessment

The transfer came after months of concern from his family and personal doctors about his health and access to medical treatment while imprisoned. The Supreme Court had ordered that Khan undergo an assessment by a medical board involving specialists and his personal physician, Faisal Sultan.

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Khan’s party and family have sought permission for him to remain in hospital for treatment. His journey between Adiala Jail and the hospital was carried out under tight security, reported Geo News citing sources. The PTI founder was later taken back to prison and shifted to his cell.

Health concerns during imprisonment

The government has maintained that prisoners receive medical treatment inside jail under existing rules and can be transferred to government hospitals when necessary. Authorities had also said they would comply with the Supreme Court’s order concerning Khan’s medical care.

Health concerns intensified in late January after Khan’s family said he had lost about 85 per cent of the vision in his right eye. The government disputed the claim and later said he had recovered about 70 per cent of his vision and that his condition was improving.

Khan has remained imprisoned since 2023 after convictions in multiple cases. He was removed from office in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

(With agency inputs)