ISLAMABAD: Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in the eye examination of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the hospital administration said.
According to a PIMS statement, Imran Khan was brought to the hospital during the night of August 20 and 21 for medical examination and treatment.
The hospital said two Shifa specialists took part in his eye examination, while PIMS doctors conducted other medical tests. The medical opinion from the eye examination was considered alongside the results of the remaining investigations.
A medical board comprising PIMS doctors subsequently prepared Khan’s medical fitness report.
PIMS said it would not disclose the confidential details of the report, citing patient confidentiality and directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The development came three days after the Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination.
However, the government instead took the former prime minister to PIMS, where he was examined by doctors before being shifted back to Adiala Jail later that night.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar later said that Imran Khan was medically fit after being examined by a team comprising an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician.
PTI Calls Move Contempt of Court
The PTI leadership termed the decision to conduct Khan’s examination at PIMS instead of Shifa a violation of the Supreme Court’s order and announced plans to file a contempt petition.
PTI leaders also objected to the former premier not being examined by his personal physician as directed by the court.
Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, claimed that the PTI founder had complained of repeated mistreatment in prison. Government officials have not confirmed the allegations.
The government maintained that PIMS was selected instead of Shifa because of security concerns reportedly created by PTI workers along the planned route.
Imran Khan Returned to Adiala Jail
Imran Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after his medical examination. His supporters gathered in parts of Islamabad during the night, with footage showing people lining the roads as the convoy passed.
PTI leaders said the incident could increase political tensions and indicated that preparations for a planned protest in September would continue.
Imran Khan has remained imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases that he and his party describe as politically motivated. The government rejects the allegation.
His lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his health, particularly vision problems in his right eye, while the government has maintained that medical examinations have not identified a condition requiring immediate hospitalisation.
