Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan back in jail after hospital examination

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to custody on Friday after undergoing a medical examination at a government hospital in Islamabad, according to officials. The move came after the Supreme Court mandated that Khan receive a thorough health check within 48 hours, following concerns raised about his condition. Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) concluded that Khan was medically fit, allowing him to be re-arrested. The court had initially ordered Khan to be transported to the private Shifa International Hospital, but the transfer was altered due to what officials described as a “security situation created by PTI workers.” A senior police official informed the BBC that the heightened security presence around Shifa was a deliberate attempt to mislead. Instead, Khan was taken to PIMS, where he was examined by a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a general physician. His sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, was present throughout the entire process. Khan’s legal team has consistently argued that he suffers from multiple health issues, including deteriorating eyesight, and has been denied proper medical attention. In February, his lawyer claimed that Khan retained only 15% vision in his right eye, an issue allegedly caused by the failure of prison authorities to act. The government rejected these claims, asserting they lacked evidence. During the recent court proceedings, judges emphasized their duty to uphold the rights of prisoners, stating they were “mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of the prisoner.” An eye specialist was included in Khan’s medical evaluation, reflecting the court’s awareness of his alleged visual impairment. However, the exact nature of his health status remains a point of contention. While the government asserts that Khan is fit for detention, his lawyers continue to challenge this assessment, citing ongoing health complications. Imran Khan, once a celebrated cricketer, became Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018, serving until 2022. He was arrested in August 2023 on charges related to corruption, leaking state secrets, and selling state gifts. These accusations, which Khan has repeatedly called politically motivated, led to his imprisonment and sparked widespread protests among his supporters. Despite his incarceration, Khan remains a prominent political figure, maintaining a substantial base of followers. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were recently sentenced to 17 years in prison for their involvement in the case. Their sentencing followed a lengthy legal battle, during which Khan’s supporters staged mass demonstrations, some of which were met with force by law enforcement. The government has maintained that the charges against Khan are legitimate and part of broader efforts to combat corruption. The latest developments mark another chapter in Khan’s long-standing legal struggle. His return to custody underscores the continued tension between his political influence and the judicial system. As his legal team continues to appeal the circumstances surrounding his detention, the public awaits further rulings that could shape the trajectory of his case. For now, Khan remains under guard, his fate intertwined with the evolving legal landscape in Pakistan.