Former PM Imran Khan transferred back to jail after medical examination

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to jail on Friday morning, just hours after being admitted to a hospital for medical evaluation, according to the government. The Supreme Court had previously ordered Khan, a highly popular politician, to be taken to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for treatment, following his lawyers' concerns about his health.

Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, who serves as his spiritual guide, was also sentenced to 17 years in prison last year. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Khan was instead taken to the public Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad due to the security situation caused by his supporters at the private clinic.

A team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a thorough examination of Khan and declared him medically fit. Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, a medical doctor, was present during the examination. Scores of police, some carrying batons, were stationed near Shifa International Hospital, with roads leading to the clinic blocked off prior to the transfer.

Dozens of Khan's supporters had gathered outside the hospital, awaiting his transfer. Khan has been a frequent visitor to PIMS in recent years, receiving eye treatment there earlier this year, as his family and lawyers had reported that he had lost most of his vision in his right eye. The court had warned against public gatherings at the hospital grounds or using Khan's health status for political purposes, stating that any violations could result in the order being reversed.

The upcoming court hearing was scheduled for September 16. Khan served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, but was removed in a no-confidence vote amid a political crisis between his government and the influential military establishment. Since then, he has faced multiple legal cases on corruption and related charges, which his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claims are politically motivated.

His arrest sparked nationwide protests in May 2023, some of which turned violent, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Khan's political triumph in 2018 came as dynastic parties had maintained decades of control over Pakistani politics. With the support of millions of Pakistanis who grew up following him as a cricket player, Khan rose to prominence as an exceptional all-rounder and led the team to victory in the 1992 World Cup.

However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, failed to significantly improve the nation's economic situation, grappling with soaring inflation, mounting debt, and a weakening currency, which eroded the progress of economic reforms.