Imran Khan to be shifted to Islamabad jail: Mohsin Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that former prime minister Imran Khan would be shifted to a newly constructed prison in Islamabad once the facility is completed within the next two months.

He made the remarks amid intensifying political tensions over Khan’s health in jail.

Naqvi said that the new jail, currently under construction in the federal capital, would be equipped with modern facilities, including a fully functional medical centre, emergency services, advanced security systems and special surveillance arrangements.

“As the PTI founder was convicted by an Islamabad court, he will be transferred to an Islamabad jail in accordance with legal requirements,” Naqvi said.

Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since 2023 in multiple cases, is currently held at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.

Health concerns trigger political storm

The minister’s remarks come as Khan’s reported health condition has sparked fresh political confrontation between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Earlier, the Supreme Court was informed that Khan has only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye, prompting sharp reactions from PTI leaders.

The party warned that there would be “serious consequences” if Khan’s health deteriorated further, accusing government of failing to ensure adequate medical care.

The issue also triggered an uproar in the Senate on Thursday, where opposition lawmakers staged protests and demanded immediate access for Khan’s personal physician and family members.

PTI leaders accused the government of politicising his medical condition, while treasury members rejected the allegations.

Red Zone sealed ahead of protest

Tensions escalated further as Islamabad’s Red Zone was sealed and heavy security deployed outside Parliament on Friday ahead of a PTI protest over Khan’s health and prison conditions.

Lawmakers from the party were reportedly stopped from entering Parliament, while police and armoured vehicles were stationed at key entry points.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that the protest would remain peaceful but reiterated demands that Khan be allowed proper medical treatment and access to his chosen doctors.

Govt reject claims of medical neglect

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Khan would be taken “wherever he prefers” for medical examination, including specialised eye treatment facilities, and insisted there would be no negligence in his care.

Chaudhry also dismissed reports of sudden deterioration, noting that previous medical examinations and family visits had not raised the issue. He said a fresh medical report would be issued soon.

Pakistan has witnessed recurring political instability since Khan’s removal from office in 2022.

His arrest and subsequent convictions have deepened polarisation between the government and the opposition, with his health now emerging as the latest flashpoint in the country’s ongoing political standoff.