Islamabad's Shifa Hospital on high alert amid possible Imran Khan transfer

Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad is on high alert as arrangements are being finalized for the possible transfer of former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail. According to sources, security outside the hospital has been heightened, and senior police officials, including Islamabad Inspector General of Police, have arrived at the hospital for preparations.

Necessary legal formalities inside Adiala Jail have reportedly been completed, with security personnel and the escort squad directed to remain vigilant. Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and cousin Qasim Zaman are present outside the prison. This comes after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Khan’s possible transfer and related security measures.

The federal government has completed preparations for legal and other issues related to the transfer, with final decisions anticipated at the last moment. Earlier, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the law permits medical treatment and transfer of prisoners to government hospitals when necessary. He clarified that the government would adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling on medical treatment for Khan if it applied to all prisoners, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring proper legal, humanitarian, and medical requirements are met.

If required treatment is not available at a government hospital, legal options, including treatment abroad, may be considered. Chaudhry also expressed his intention to brief the opposition leader on developments regarding Khan’s health, rejecting allegations of political victimization and maintaining that the government's actions are in accordance with the law and judicial decisions.