Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail after hospital treatment in Pakistan

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has been taken back to Adiala Jail after a brief stay at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, where he underwent a medical evaluation following a Supreme Court order.

The 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was moved to the hospital from prison under tight security. He was later returned to jail after doctors assessed his condition. Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 following multiple convictions, which he and his party say are politically motivated. The Pakistani government denies the allegation.

Supreme Court had ordered hospital transfer

The Supreme Court had directed authorities to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment amid concerns over his health, including problems affecting his right eye. The order also called for a medical panel that would include his personal physician.

The court had initially directed that Khan remain at the hospital until September 16, when the matter is scheduled to come up again. However, he was returned to Adiala Jail after the medical assessment, with reports saying doctors found that he could safely remain in custody.

PTI had welcomed his transfer to the hospital. In an earlier post on X, the party said, “Imran Khan’s arrival at the hospital for treatment is not our destination, but merely a milestone. Our true freedom is the real destination, and an independent judiciary is indispensable for achieving it."

Court allows weekly family meetings

The Supreme Court also directed authorities to facilitate weekly meetings between Khan and his family. The order came amid concerns raised by his party and relatives over his access to medical care and family members.

Khan reportedly met his wife, Bushra Bibi, and sister, Noreen Niazi, at Adiala Jail earlier this week after a prolonged gap. His meeting with Niazi lasted around 15 minutes, while the meeting with Bushra Bibi lasted between 30 and 35 minutes, according to jail sources cited by local media.

Khan's political and legal troubles

Khan was ousted as prime minister in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote. He has since faced a series of legal cases and convictions.

In 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in the Al-Qadir Trust land corruption case involving allegations concerning him and his wife.

Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a major political figure in Pakistan, with strong backing among PTI supporters and sections of younger voters.

Earlier, PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said, "If Imran Khan was released tomorrow, hypothetically, he wouldn't do anything that would effectively damage the country," describing him as "magnanimous".