The former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, imprisoned in the context of a corruption trial, was temporarily taken from prison to a medical center in compliance with a Supreme Court order, issued following appeals made by his family, who had alerted about a possible deterioration of his health, as confirmed by his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). After concluding that there was no risk to his integrity in jail, the leader has been returned to the penitentiary.
"Thanks to the effort of all of you, today the check-up and treatment of Imran Khan Sahib will be carried out in the presence of his family and his personal doctors at Al Shifa Hospital," announced the prominent PTI member and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, in a message on social media directed to the supporters of the former leader.
The regional leader emphasized that this decision constitutes "the first step towards success," although he called on the party members to "seek justice" and achieve the release of Imran Khan "through judicial justice," something that, in his opinion, would represent a milestone in the creation and strengthening of "an independent judiciary."
"You chose Imran Khan for a free, prosperous, developed, and independent Pakistan. He has always supported you. If today Imran Khan stands firm like a rock, it is because your strength lies within you. You are his hope," he stated.
The movement to the healthcare center took place under a wide security device, according to the Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn', which mentions the deployment of more than 800 agents from various police forces in the surroundings, in line with a security order issued by the Islamabad Police.
According to this document, the operation aimed to safeguard the life, property, and dignity of the population, prevent possible terrorist attacks, preserve public order, and ensure the normal circulation of traffic in the area.
After the examination carried out at Shifa International Hospital, a team of six specialists concluded that the former leader's stay in prison posed no danger to his health, as reported by the Pakistani channel Geo TV.
Once this medical report was issued, the former head of government was taken back to his cell in Adiala jail, according to penitentiary sources cited by the same television.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered the hospitalization of the former prime minister the previous Tuesday, declaring itself "aware of the constitutional and legal obligation of the State, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity, and security of individuals in custody."
"A prisoner does not lose, by the mere fact of being incarcerated, his right to humane treatment and necessary medical attention," the ruling added, as reported by 'Dawn'.