Pakistan may consider private hospital treatment for imprisoned ex-PM Khan, minister says

Islamabad (AP) — Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to prison early Friday following a medical examination at a private hospital, according to the government. This move came after a Supreme Court order mandating his medical care. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed Khan's transfer from Adiala prison to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad after midnight, stating that a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist, and physician, had conducted a thorough examination and deemed him medically fit.

Khan's sister, Azma Khan, was present during the assessment. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, led by Khan, had earlier confirmed his hospital transfer based on a Supreme Court order. The government, however, expressed readiness to consider private hospital treatment if adequate care was not available within a government facility.

This development follows a request to the Supreme Court for clarification on whether the medical relief granted to Khan was exclusive to him or could be extended to other prisoners. The Supreme Court's three-judge panel had ordered Khan's medical examination, citing concerns from his family and personal physicians regarding his health and access to medical care.