Police officials, medical team reach Adiala jail ahead of Imran Khan’s hospital transfer

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad Police team has reached Adiala jail, while two members of the medical board constituted for examination of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan have also entered the prison, as preparations gather pace for his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.

Khan is expected to be shifted from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad shortly, according to jail and security sources.

An Islamabad Police squad comprising two vehicles reached Adiala jail as authorities finalised arrangements for the transfer. Police personnel have also been deployed around the jail and along the route to Islamabad.

Two members of Khan’s medical board have entered Adiala jail to examine the former prime minister before his transfer, sources said.

Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and his personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan have also entered the jail, according to prison sources.

A final assessment of Khan is being carried out before he is moved to the hospital, sources added.

At Shifa International Hospital, security has been significantly tightened ahead of Khan’s expected arrival. Law-enforcement personnel have been deployed around the facility, while additional security measures have been put in place on roads leading to the hospital.

According to sources, Khan will be shifted to the fourth floor of F Block at Shifa International Hospital. The floor is part of the hospital’s executive section and has facilities for specialised tests, including those relating to kidney and liver conditions.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was also kept in the same block during his hospitalisation, sources said.

The expected transfer follows an order issued by the Supreme Court on August 18 directing the authorities to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment.

A three-member SC bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed ordered that a multidisciplinary medical board comprising specialists in internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology and ophthalmology examine and treat Khan.

The court also directed that Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan, be associated with his medical examination and treatment.

The apex court had given the authorities two days to implement the order, making Thursday the deadline for the transfer.

The court order came after petitions concerning Khan’s medical treatment and access to his family and doctors.

According to medical information presented before the court, Khan has been experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure and has complained of symptoms including palpitations, headache and restlessness.

Sources at Adiala jail said Khan is also suffering from high blood pressure, eye-related problems and muscular pain.

His medical condition is expected to be assessed in detail by the multidisciplinary board at Shifa, where doctors will determine the treatment required.

Meanwhile, the government had challenged the Supreme Court’s order through a review petition, arguing that directing the treatment of one prisoner at a private hospital could create a precedent for other inmates.

However, the Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the review petition on Thursday over procedural objections, according to reports.

The development cleared the way for authorities to proceed with arrangements for Khan’s transfer, although the government reportedly filed a review petition after addressing the objections.

PTI leaders have welcomed the expected transfer and described it as an important development concerning Khan’s health.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said Khan would be shifted to the hospital and appealed to supporters not to gather outside the facility.

He said the party was aware of supporters’ desire to see their leader but stressed that Khan’s health and treatment were the priority.

Akram urged party workers and the public to stay away from the hospital so that doctors could provide treatment without disruption and the hospital could maintain a peaceful environment.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also welcomed the development, saying Khan’s medical check-up and treatment would take place at Shifa in the presence of his family and personal doctors.

Meanwhile, PTI workers and Khan’s family members have been monitoring developments outside Adiala Jail.

PTI leader Alima Khan and Qasim Zaman were present outside Gate 5 of the prison, according to jail sources.

The authorities have yet to formally announce the exact timing of Khan’s departure from Adiala jail, but the arrival of the Islamabad Police team, medical board members and Khan’s personal doctors indicates that preparations for the transfer are at an advanced stage.

Once shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Khan is expected to remain under heightened security while undergoing the medical examination ordered by the Supreme Court.