ISLAMABAD: Jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan was shifted from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad in the early hours of Friday for medical treatment, following a Supreme Court order.
The transfer took place under tight security, with a large convoy of vehicles leaving the prison late Thursday. Security was dramatically tightened across Islamabad, with roads leading to the hospital closed, barriers erected, and a heavy contingent of police and Rangers deployed. According to a security order, hundreds of personnel were deployed to protect citizens, ensure security against terrorist acts, maintain public order, and manage traffic.
Authorities vacated specific wards and declared Executive Floors E-4 and A-4 at the hospital a sub-jail. Gate One was allocated for Khan’s arrival, signal jammers were activated, and hospital staff within the security perimeter were banned from using mobile phones. PTI urged supporters to maintain distance from the hospital.
The Supreme Court had ordered the transfer within 48 hours on August 18. Khan will remain under treatment until the next hearing on September 16. His personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan and sister Dr Uzma Khan are permitted to remain involved in his treatment. A medical board comprising specialists in cardiology, general medicine, and ophthalmology will examine him.
