Former Pakistan PM was examined by six specialists at Shifa International Hospital; aide signals no confrontation with Army Chief Asim Munir if Khan is released

Imran Khan returns to jail

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail on Friday after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Khan had been brought to the hospital from Adiala Jail late Thursday under heavy security. A team of six specialist doctors examined him and concluded that he did not require hospitalisation at present and could receive treatment while remaining in prison.

Following the medical assessment, Khan was taken back to the jail and returned to his cell.

Security was significantly tightened around Shifa International Hospital during his visit. Reports said hospital lights were switched off, staff members’ mobile phones were confiscated and media personnel outside the facility were moved away.

Aide signals softer approach

Meanwhile, one of Khan’s close aides told Reuters that the former Prime Minister would not seek a confrontation with Pakistan’s military or Army Chief Asim Munir if he were released.

The aide suggested that Munir could extend a “healing hand” following a legal development earlier this week. The remarks are being seen as a possible shift in the rhetoric surrounding Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 and has continued to be at the centre of Pakistan’s political conflict with the military establishment.

Government challenges hospital order

The development came after the Pakistan government filed a fresh review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the decision to move Khan to a private hospital for treatment.

The government had initially indicated that it would comply with the court's order. It later sought reconsideration and withdrawal of the direction.

Reports said an earlier review petition was returned by the court registrar's office because the required set of documents, including paper books, was incomplete.

Lawyer alleges access was blocked

Khan's lawyer, Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry, also alleged that jail authorities prevented him from meeting the former Prime Minister.

According to Chaudhry, he had gone to Adiala Jail to obtain Khan's signature on a contempt petition and power of attorney but was not allowed to meet him.

The lawyer alleged that the restriction was intended to prevent Khan from taking further legal action concerning his medical treatment. He said he would still pursue a contempt petition before the Supreme Court.

Medical concerns raised in court

A medical report placed before the court had raised concerns about Khan's health. The report referred to fluctuations in his blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat and significant mental stress.

His reported blood pressure was 140/80, compared with 120/80 in February. His pulse was recorded at 54 beats per minute.

The Supreme Court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to conduct a detailed assessment of Khan's condition. The panel is expected to include specialist doctors, along with Khan's sister Dr Uzma Khan and his personal physician.

The board will examine his previous medical records and assess the cause of his condition, including concerns related to blood clots, before determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Khan remains behind bars

Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 after his conviction in the Toshakhana case. He subsequently faced several other cases, including those linked to the cipher, Al-Qadir Trust and the Iddat-Nikah matter.

He received relief in some of those cases, while a sentence in the Toshakhana matter was also stayed. However, he continues to remain imprisoned in connection with other legal proceedings.

Khan and PTI have repeatedly alleged that the cases against him are politically motivated and intended to keep him away from politics and elections. Pakistan's government and investigating agencies have rejected those allegations, maintaining that the cases are proceeding through the country's legal system.

For now, Khan's return to Adiala Jail means his treatment will continue under prison arrangements unless the medical board or the courts decide that hospitalisation is necessary.

Speaking at a workers' convention in Hazratbal, Srinagar, on Saturday, Abdullah said the BJP had used a Supreme Court lawyer to approach a Jammu-based National Conference legislator with an offer of ₹20 to 30 crore in cash, alongside a ministerial berth and a promise to restore the state's earlier special status — all in exchange for switching sides. According to PTI, Abdullah said the NC MLA in question rejected the offer outright, and that despite the party's efforts, the BJP wasn't able to break a single one of his legislators.

Abdullah used the moment to issue a pointed warning to the Centre, saying his party's restraint should not be mistaken for weakness — and that staying peaceful didn't mean the NC would stop raising its voice for what it considers its rights. National Conference legislators have echoed the rejection, with the party saying that even an offer of ₹100 crore to every one of its leaders wouldn't be enough to pull them away.

The Chief Minister also used the rally to renew his demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, taking direct aim at the Centre's repeated line that restoration will come at the "right time." He asked what benchmark determines when that time has actually arrived, and questioned whether anything more needs to happen before the region's democratic rights are handed back. He pointed out that people had turned out in large numbers to vote, a new government had been formed, and yet Delhi continued to delay following through on its commitment. He added that if the Centre could hold talks with representatives from Ladakh, it should extend the same courtesy to Jammu and Kashmir to clear up outstanding issues.

Abdullah also aired frustration over what he described as administrative interference, arguing that his elected government hasn't been given the freedom to make and implement its own decisions, with real control instead resting with the Raj Bhavan. He questioned the point of holding large-scale elections in the region if the elected government's authority was always going to be constrained from outside. He said his government would keep working to meet the expectations voters placed in it regardless.

The BJP has not yet issued a public response to Abdullah's allegations. Further reaction from the party, as well as any comment on the identity of the MLA allegedly approached, was awaited at the time of publishing.

The remarks come at a politically charged moment for Jammu and Kashmir, with the statehood question continuing to shape the relationship between the Omar Abdullah-led government and the Centre since the region's return to elected government.

A political controversy has erupted in Pakistan after Senator Faisal Vawda called for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar following the arrest of one of Dar’s relatives in connection with the alleged abduction and gangrape of two foreign women in Lahore.

The case has drawn nationwide attention amid allegations of political influence, attempts to shield the accused, and concerns over Pakistan’s international image.

According to police, the incident took place on June 29 when two foreign nationals—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—were allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of men in Lahore. Investigators have so far arrested four suspects, while one accused remains absconding.

Among those arrested is Muhammad Raza Dar, whom police sources have identified as the prime suspect. Law enforcement officials said he is the grandson of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, although the government has not officially commented on the familial relationship.

During the investigation, police reportedly found that Raza Dar had met the two women in Singapore last year through a cryptocurrency business venture. Investigators allege that he later facilitated their visit to Pakistan by arranging business visas.

The accused were produced before a Lahore court on Friday, which remanded them to five days of police custody for further investigation.

The arrests have triggered political criticism from Senator Faisal Vawda, who questioned whether Ishaq Dar could continue serving as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister while a close relative faced such serious allegations.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Vawda alleged that both the federal government and the Punjab provincial administration had attempted to protect the accused. He claimed the arrest took place only after the intervention of a foreign embassy representing one of the victims.

"If there is any concern for Pakistan and its international image, Ishaq Dar should resign immediately," Vawda said.

The senator also criticised what he described as the silence of the ruling coalition, noting that neither senior government leaders nor representatives of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had publicly condemned the incident.

Vawda further alleged that efforts were being made to treat the matter as an extortion case rather than a sexual assault investigation. He also claimed authorities were attempting to facilitate the early departure of the two foreign victims from Pakistan, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

The case has sparked wider debate over accountability, the treatment of foreign nationals, and the influence of politically connected individuals within Pakistan's criminal justice system.

Vawda, who is considered politically close to Pakistan’s military establishment, currently serves as an independent senator. Although elected with the support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the ruling PML-N alliance, he is not formally affiliated with any political party.

Neither Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar nor the Pakistani government had issued an official response to Vawda's resignation demand or the allegations regarding attempts to influence the investigation at the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, police say investigations remain ongoing, with efforts continuing to locate the absconding suspect and gather additional evidence. Authorities have not indicated when formal charges will be filed, and the case remains under judicial process.

The incident has received widespread attention in Pakistan, with observers closely watching the investigation for signs of transparency and institutional independence, particularly given the high-profile political connections alleged in the case.

A fresh controversy has emerged in Pakistan’s political discourse after a media report alleged that the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022 was not merely the result of a parliamentary no-confidence motion, but part of a broader geopolitical strategy involving the United States and the Pakistan military establishment.

The report, published by an international media outlet, claims that tensions between Washington and Islamabad escalated after Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow on 24 February 2022, the same day Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine. According to the report, the visit angered the United States, which expected Pakistan to take a clear anti-Russia stance on the conflict. Imran Khan’s government, however, maintained a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine war, refusing to directly condemn Moscow. This, according to the report, marked a turning point in US-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

The allegations further claim that on 7 March 2022, a key meeting took place in Washington between Pakistan’s then ambassador Asad Majeed Khan and US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu. During this interaction, Lu reportedly conveyed that if Imran Khan were removed through a no-confidence vote, the United States would “forgive everything” and restore normal relations. This alleged communication later became central to Pakistan’s domestic political debate and formed the basis of the so-called “Cypher case,” which Imran Khan repeatedly cited as evidence of foreign interference in his removal.

According to the report, a lunch meeting in Washington further intensified pressure, where concerns were raised about Pakistan’s foreign policy direction under Imran Khan. The US side reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s stance on Russia and warned of diplomatic isolation if policy alignment did not change. The timeline presented in the report suggests that just 33 days after the alleged diplomatic exchange, on 9 April 2022, Imran Khan lost power following a successful no-confidence motion in Pakistan’s parliament. Shortly after, Shehbaz Sharif became the new Prime Minister.

The report also highlights subsequent political developments in Pakistan, suggesting that the country’s internal power structure underwent significant changes after Imran Khan’s removal. These include leadership transitions within the military establishment and increased political instability, including mass protests and legal cases against PTI leadership. In November 2022, Pakistan’s army leadership changed when General Asim Munir replaced General Qamar Javed Bajwa as Chief of Army Staff. Imran Khan has previously alleged that this appointment was politically influenced, though no official confirmation has supported the claim.

In May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested in a corruption case, triggering widespread protests and unrest across the country. The political situation further intensified when his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faced restrictions and internal fragmentation ahead of the 2024 general elections. Despite electoral setbacks, PTI-backed independent candidates reportedly performed strongly in the polls, but a coalition government was eventually formed by rival parties Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The report also suggests that Pakistan’s relations with the United States improved significantly after Imran Khan’s removal. Bilateral cooperation reportedly expanded into strategic, economic and defense-related areas, marking a shift from the earlier strained ties. However, these claims remain politically sensitive and highly contested. The United States has consistently denied allegations of orchestrating regime change in Pakistan, maintaining that the 2022 political transition was an internal constitutional process.

Imran Khan, on his part, has repeatedly maintained that his government was removed due to a foreign-backed conspiracy. He has linked the alleged “Cypher” diplomatic communication to his claim that external pressure played a decisive role in the no-confidence vote. The new report has reignited debate within Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly among supporters of PTI, who argue that the allegations validate long-standing claims of foreign interference. PTI leaders have described the report as further proof supporting their stance on the Cypher controversy.

Imran Khan, who has been in prison since August 2023, continues to face multiple legal cases. He has been convicted in several cases, including the Al-Qadir Trust case and earlier Cypher-related charges, though some convictions have been overturned or suspended by higher courts. As political tensions continue, the narrative surrounding Imran Khan’s ouster remains deeply polarised, reflecting broader divisions within Pakistan’s politics and its complex relationship with global powers.

Imran Khan’s Former Aide Attacked in UK: What Happened

Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former Special Assistant to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been seriously injured in a violent attack at his residence in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The incident, reported by PTI and police sources, has once again brought global attention to the safety of Pakistani political exiles living abroad.

According to initial information, an unidentified assailant entered Akbar’s home and repeatedly punched him in the face, leaving him with fractures to his nose and jaw. He was rushed to a hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. British police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and forensic evidence from the scene is being examined.

Akbar Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir

Following the attack, Akbar publicly blamed Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, alleging that the assault was part of a sustained campaign to intimidate and silence him while he is living in exile in the UK. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also confirmed the incident, stating that Akbar sustained serious injuries during the early-morning attack.

While no official link has yet been established by British authorities, Akbar’s allegations have intensified political tensions and renewed debate over cross-border intimidation of dissidents.

A Pattern of Threats and Past Attacks

This is not the first time Akbar has faced danger in Britain. He has been living in the UK since April 2022, claiming he fled Pakistan due to threats to his life. In November 2023, a masked attacker allegedly threw acid at his Cambridge home. Although Akbar escaped unhurt, he described the incident as an attempt to silence him.

Akbar has repeatedly linked these attacks to the Al-Qadir Trust case involving Imran Khan. He claims Pakistani security agencies pressured him to testify against the former prime minister and that threats escalated after he refused.

Key allegations by Akbar include:

 Repeated threatening messages warning him to “mend his ways”

 Attempts to intimidate him into becoming a prosecution witness

 A coordinated effort to silence dissent abroad

Legal Battle and Extradition Efforts

After the acid attack, Akbar initiated legal proceedings in a British court in April 2024, alleging possible involvement of Pakistani officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as baseless.

Meanwhile, Akbar faces legal trouble back home. An Islamabad court has declared him a proclaimed offender in a case linked to controversial social media posts. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also sought his extradition, submitting documents to the British High Commissioner. Although there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, a limited agreement exists for specific cases.

Why This Matters Now

The latest assault on Imran Khan’s former aide attacked in the UK has raised serious concerns about the safety of Pakistani political exiles and dissidents in Britain. Experts warn that such incidents, if politically motivated, could strain diplomatic relations and challenge the UK’s responsibility to protect asylum seekers and exiles.

As British police continue their investigation, the case is being closely watched by human rights groups and political observers, who see it as a test of accountability and protection for those living in exile.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail in Toshakhana Corruption Case

In a major legal and political development, a special court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the high-profile Toshakhana-2 corruption case.

The verdict, delivered on Saturday at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, marks another dramatic turn in the ongoing legal battles facing the ex-premier and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

The sentencing was handed down by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court also imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani Rupees on the couple, with additional jail time threatened if the penalty is not paid.

What is the Toshakhana Case?  

The case centers on Pakistan’s Toshakhana—a state treasury where gifts received by public officials from foreign dignitaries must be deposited. By law, these items belong to the state, not the individual.

The charges allege that Imran Khan illegally retained and undervalued expensive gifts received during his tenure as PM (2018-2022), most notably a luxury Bulgari jewelry set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in May 2021.

The Breakdown of the Sentence  

The 17-year sentence is bifurcated:

10 years under Section 409 for criminal breach of trust.

7 years under Section 5(2)47 for criminal misconduct by a public servant.

Bushra Bibi was sentenced under the same provisions. This verdict is separate from other ongoing cases against Khan, including those involving state secrets and an unlawful marriage allegation.

The Controversial Gifts at the Heart of the Scandal  

Investigations revealed Imran Khan received 108 gifts while in office. Key items cited in proceedings include:

A Graff wristwatch worth approximately Rs. 8.5 crore.

Seven Rolex watches valued around Rs. 15 crore.

Expensive cufflinks, rings, and pens from foreign leaders.

A Case with Deep Political Repercussions  

This sentencing intensifies the political crisis in Pakistan. Imran Khan’s PTI party has consistently denounced all charges as a “politically motivated” attempt to eliminate him from the country’s political landscape. Legal analysts suggest the rapid succession of verdicts—coming ahead of general elections—points to a concerted effort to sideline the former cricket star turned populist leader.

The case gained traction due to a reported misstep involving Khan’s wife. As per reports, the gold and diamond watch from the Saudi Crown Prince was gifted to Bushra Bibi, who then tasked aides to sell it. The jeweler’s inquiry to the manufacturer allegedly triggered a chain reaction that led back to Saudi officials and ultimately exposed the alleged corruption.

Why This Matters Now  

The verdict solidifies Imran Khan’s status as a jailed opposition leader and casts a long shadow over Pakistan’s already turbulent democratic process. It raises immediate questions about electoral fairness, the role of the judiciary, and the future of the country’s most potent political movement. With Khan barred from office and facing decades in prison, Pakistan’s path forward appears more fractured and uncertain than ever.