Imran Khan returns to jail after medical examination at Islamabad hospital

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday returned to Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail shortly after undergoing a medical examination at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad.

The development was confirmed to Reuters by a member of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The 73-year-old cricket legend has been facing health issues after spending more than three years in prison following his tenure as prime minister.

Khan was taken to Shifa Hospital days after the Supreme Court ordered a medical examination. An official from the Shehbaz Sharif-led government said Islamabad was complying with the Supreme Court's order to facilitate his medical examination. Khan's party and family had sought permission for him to remain in hospital.

A three-judge Supreme Court panel had ordered authorities two days earlier to take Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination amid prolonged concerns raised by his family and personal doctors over his health and access to treatment. The court directed that a medical board, including specialists and his personal physician, Faisal Sultan, examine him.

The Supreme Court's order came after former Pakistan president Arif Alvi shared Khan's vitals and raised concerns over what he described as "alarming" medical reports. In a post on X, Alvi said, "Imran Khan's medical reports are alarming. I have gone through them with several specialists, and I am writing this in plain language so every Pakistani can understand exactly what is happening."

Alvi also highlighted Khan's health concerns, citing his "anxiety and stress levels", "palpitations," and "high blood pressure." He added that while sleeplessness was not mentioned in the report, Khan's medication appeared to suggest the problem.