ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has completed the medical fitness report of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former prime minister Imran Khan following his overnight transfer from Adiala Jail, saying its contents will remain “confidential” under Supreme Court directions.
According to a statement issued by PIMS, Khan was shifted to the state-run hospital during the night of August 20-21 for a medical examination and treatment.
Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in the eye examination, while other medical assessments were carried out by relevant specialists at PIMS.
Medical board prepares fitness report
A medical board comprising PIMS doctors has completed Khan’s medical fitness report, the hospital said.
PIMS added that the contents of the report would remain confidential in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
The development comes amid a dispute over Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail and conflicting accounts of the medical examination conducted at PIMS.
Government says detailed examination conducted
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said Khan was taken to hospital under appropriate security arrangements during the intervening night of August 20 and 21 in compliance with a Supreme Court decision.
Tarar said a team of qualified doctors, including an eye specialist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared Khan medically fit.
He also said Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, remained present throughout the examination and treatment process. According to Tarar, Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail at around 5am on August 21.
Family disputes account
Dr Uzma Khan, however, alleged that only a cursory examination had been conducted at PIMS and that officials did not have her brother’s medical files with them.
She said the family had believed Khan was being taken to Shifa International Hospital and alleged that only his eyes were examined, while his blood pressure was also checked.
Dr Faisal Sultan, Khan’s personal physician, separately said he had travelled to Shifa International Hospital and waited there for several hours after being informed that Khan was expected to arrive.
The family’s account sharply contradicted the government’s version of the examination and Khan’s transfer.
Supreme Court order
The Supreme Court had ordered authorities on August 18 to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours for specialist examination and treatment by a medical board that included his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan.
The federal government subsequently asked the Supreme Court to recall the order, arguing that allowing a prisoner to be treated at a private hospital of their choice could set a precedent for other inmates.
The government also contended that the order had been issued without hearing a necessary party and was contrary to the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978
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