Imran taken back to jail after brief visit to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital amid tight security

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was transported back to Adiala jail after a brief visit to Shifa International Hospital on Friday, as reported by various media outlets. The hospitalization came in response to a Supreme Court order issued earlier this week. Khan was escorted to the hospital via Pitras Bokhari Road, entering through Gate No. 1.

The hospital, situated in Sector H-8 of Islamabad, also houses educational institutions and government offices. Visuals outside the facility showed extensive security measures, with Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South cordoned off and a significant number of law enforcement personnel present. Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts and is currently serving a 14-year sentence on a corruption case known as the Al-Qadir Trust case.

However, his health has been deteriorating during his imprisonment, leading to calls for medical attention from party members. Prior to his hospitalization, the Islamabad police chief, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited the facility twice to oversee security preparations. The security audit of the building led to the deployment of 800 personnel to protect citizens, ensure public safety, maintain order, and manage traffic flow.

The Supreme Court directed the government to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital within two days. The court, which included Justices Shahid Waheed, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the ruling due to concerns about the jailed ex-premier's life, health, dignity, and security. The court's order also acknowledged the constitutional and legal obligation to provide humane treatment and necessary medical care to persons in custody.