Web Desk: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was medically examined at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and was found to be medically fit before being returned to Adiala Jail.
Tarar said doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present during the examination, which was conducted in accordance with a recent Supreme Court order concerning Khan’s medical care.
According to Tarar, Khan was taken to hospital under heightened security during the night of Aug. 20-21.
He said the decision to take Khan to PIMS rather than Shifa International was driven by security concerns after a large gathering of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, media personnel and others had formed around the private hospital.
“Given the security situation created by PTI workers on the route to and outside Shifa Hospital, he was taken to PIMS,” Tarar said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
Tarar said a team comprising specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology and general medicine conducted a detailed examination of Khan.
The minister said Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, remained present throughout the medical examination and treatment process.
After the examination was completed, Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail at around 5 a.m. on Friday, Tarar said.
He added that the government would continue to provide medical facilities whenever Khan requires them.
Tarar also rejected claims that the government had denied Khan access to appropriate medical treatment, saying the examination at PIMS was intended to provide the same medical care in a more secure environment.
The development follows a written Supreme Court order issued on Aug. 18 by a three-member bench directing authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days.
The court order came amid concerns over Khan’s health and calls for him to receive specialised medical care.
Tarar said the government had complied with the substance of the court’s decision by ensuring that Khan was examined by relevant specialists and that doctors from Shifa International were involved in the process.
He said the presence of the Shifa medical team demonstrated that the authorities had not compromised on the court-ordered medical arrangements.
The information minister said the latest examination contradicted what he described as PTI’s international campaign alleging that Khan’s health was continuously deteriorating.
He said PIMS, one of Pakistan’s major public teaching hospitals, has specialist doctors and comprehensive medical facilities capable of treating patients requiring specialised care.
Tarar also argued that shifting Khan to a public hospital because of security concerns did not amount to defying the Supreme Court order.
Khan, 73, has remained in Adiala Jail while facing multiple legal cases since his ouster as prime minister in 2022. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and treatment in custody, while the government has maintained that he has access to medical care.
The latest dispute over his medical treatment comes against the backdrop of continuing political tensions between Khan’s party and the government.
Tarar said Khan was medically fit following the latest examination and that authorities would arrange further medical treatment if required.
Read more: Imran Khan shifted back to Adiala Jail from hospital
