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.