Imran Khan’s Medical Transfer: PIMS Denies Rumors as Ex-PM Returns to Adiala Jail
Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Sunday for medical treatment before being returned to Adiala Jail later the same day, according to his legal team. The move followed reports of a deteriorating health condition, though officials at PIMS denied any transfer had taken place.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny over Khan’s health, which has been a subject of public speculation since his arrest in May 2023. His legal representatives, including barrister Gohar Khan, confirmed the transfer to PIMS in a statement, saying Khan underwent a medical examination before being returned to Adiala Jail—where he has been held since November 2023 on corruption charges. However, PIMS officials categorically denied the reports, stating no such transfer occurred.
Why the discrepancy? The conflicting accounts highlight the lack of transparency surrounding Khan’s health, a recurring theme in his prolonged detention. While his legal team insists he was taken to PIMS for an eye check-up—a claim echoed by multiple media outlets—PIMS spokesperson Dr. Faisal Sultan told Dawn that no patient matching Khan’s description was admitted. “There has been no transfer of Imran Khan to PIMS,” Sultan said, adding that the institute had not received any official request for his examination.
The confusion stems partly from the absence of an official statement from the Pakistan government or the Islamabad High Court, which has overseen Khan’s legal proceedings. His legal team has repeatedly accused authorities of withholding medical records, citing concerns over his deteriorating health. In a Dunya News report, barrister Gohar Khan stated that Khan was “returned to Adiala Jail after a medical check-up,” but provided no further details on the nature of the examination.
What happens next? Khan’s legal representatives have vowed to escalate the matter, demanding access to his medical records and an independent assessment of his health. The Pakistan Bar Council has also expressed concern, with senior lawyers calling for an impartial medical board to evaluate his condition. Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters have intensified protests, accusing the government of medical negligence and political persecution.
The latest developments underscore the broader tensions between Khan’s legal team and the authorities, with his health emerging as a flashpoint in his ongoing legal battle. The Islamabad High Court has previously ordered the government to ensure Khan’s medical treatment, but no concrete steps have been taken to address the concerns raised by his lawyers.
As of Monday, no official clarification has been issued by the government or prison authorities, leaving Khan’s health status—and the credibility of the conflicting reports—unresolved. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10, where his legal team is expected to raise the medical issue again.
How this compares to past incidents: This is not the first time Khan’s health has become a point of contention. In February 2024, his legal team accused authorities of denying him proper medical care after he complained of severe back pain. The government dismissed the claims, stating he had received treatment at a military hospital. The recurring pattern of denied transfers and conflicting reports has fueled skepticism among Khan’s supporters and legal observers alike.
With no official confirmation from PIMS or the government, the episode reflects the broader challenges in verifying Khan’s health status—a critical issue in a case that has already spanned over a year of legal proceedings.