An Islamabad Police unit has arrived at Adiala jail as preparations intensify for the transfer of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. Alongside the police, two members of the medical board assigned to examine Khan have also entered the prison.
Khan is expected to be moved to the hospital shortly, with police personnel deployed both around Adiala jail and along the route to Islamabad to ensure security. Key entrances leading to Shifa International Hospital have been closed by Islamabad security forces, anticipating Khan’s arrival any time tonight.
In a significant development, Khan’s sister Dr. Uzma Khan and his personal physician Dr. Faisal Sultan have also gained access to the jail to participate in the medical evaluation. This final assessment is being conducted prior to his transfer.
At Shifa International Hospital, security measures have been substantially strengthened in advance of Khan’s arrival. Law enforcement officers are stationed around the facility, and additional precautions have been implemented on the access roads. Khan is set to be accommodated on the fourth floor of F Block, which is part of the hospital’s executive section equipped with specialized diagnostic facilities, including those for kidney and liver assessments. Notably, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was previously admitted to the same block during his hospitalization.
The transfer follows a Supreme Court directive issued on August 18, which mandated Khan’s relocation to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment. A three-member bench led by Justice Shahid Waheed ordered that a multidisciplinary medical board—comprising specialists in internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, and ophthalmology—conduct the examination and treatment. The court also stipulated that Khan’s personal physician Dr. Faisal Sultan and sister Dr. Uzma Khan be involved in his care.
The Supreme Court gave authorities a two-day window to execute the order, making Thursday the deadline for the transfer. This ruling came in response to petitions concerning Khan’s medical treatment and his access to family and doctors.
Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that Khan has been experiencing fluctuating blood pressure along with symptoms such as palpitations, headaches, and restlessness. Jail sources have added that Khan is also suffering from high blood pressure, eye problems, and muscular pain. The multidisciplinary board at Shifa will conduct a detailed assessment to determine the necessary treatment.
Meanwhile, the government challenged the Supreme Court’s order through a review petition, arguing that allowing treatment of a prisoner at a private hospital could set a precedent for other inmates. However, the Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the petition on procedural grounds, clearing the way for the transfer to proceed. The government reportedly filed a revised petition after addressing the objections.
PTI leaders have welcomed the expected transfer, highlighting it as a crucial step for Khan’s health. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed the imminent hospital shift and urged supporters to avoid gathering outside the hospital to ensure an undisturbed treatment environment. He emphasized that Khan’s health remains the top priority.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also praised the development, noting that Khan’s medical check-up and treatment would be conducted in the presence of his family and personal doctors.
Meanwhile, PTI workers and family members have been closely monitoring the situation outside Adiala Jail. PTI leader Alima Khan and Qasim Zaman were seen near Gate 5 of the prison. Although authorities have not announced the exact timing of Khan’s departure, the presence of police, medical board members, and Khan’s doctors indicates that preparations are well underway.
Once transferred, Khan is expected to remain under strict security at Shifa International Hospital while undergoing the medical examination ordered by the Supreme Court.
