Imran Khan Examined at PIMS Instead of Shifa Hospital, Minister Says
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan underwent a court-ordered medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) rather than Shifa International Hospital, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday, clarifying conflicting reports about where the examination took place.
Tarar said doctors from Shifa International Hospital were present during the examination at PIMS. He attributed the change of venue to security concerns arising from the situation involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters on the route to and outside Shifa Hospital.
According to the minister, Khan was moved from Adiala Jail during the night between August 20 and 21 under security arrangements following directions from the Supreme Court.
Tarar said a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared the former prime minister medically fit. Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, was present during the medical process, according to the minister.
After the examination was completed, Khan was returned to Adiala Jail at around 5am on Friday, Tarar said. He added that medical facilities had previously been provided to Khan and would remain available when required.
The clarification is significant because the Supreme Court had specifically directed authorities earlier this week to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination. The federal government subsequently sought a review of that order, arguing that requiring a private hospital for a prisoner raised legal and equality concerns.
There are, however, conflicting accounts over the location of the examination.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Khan was taken to Shifa International Hospital and later returned to Adiala Jail. Reuters cited Khan’s party, while AP reported that the examination was carried out at the private hospital under the Supreme Court’s directions.
Tarar’s subsequent statement, carried by Pakistani media, said the actual examination took place at PIMS, although Shifa doctors participated. Given the conflicting reports, the precise sequence of Khan’s movements between the facilities was not independently established at the time of publication.
The Supreme Court’s intervention followed continuing concerns raised by Khan’s family and legal team about his health and access to doctors. The former prime minister has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces multiple legal cases. He has rejected the cases against him as politically motivated, while the government disputes that characterization.
The dispute over Khan’s medical care remains politically sensitive, with PTI repeatedly demanding access to his personal doctors and independent medical assessments.
