ISLAMABAD: Conflicting accounts have emerged over where former prime minister Imran Khan underwent an overnight medical examination, with government sources saying it was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), while earlier reports and PTI statements identified Shifa International Hospital as the venue.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that Mr Khan was taken from Adiala Jail during the night of August 20-21 under tight security and examined by a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. He said the former premier was declared medically fit and returned to jail around 5am.
Mr Tarar said Mr Khan’s sister, Azma Khan, remained present during the examination. However, he did not identify the hospital where it was conducted.
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Government sources later told journalists that the examination took place at PIMS. According to the sources, a large gathering of PTI workers, supporters and media vehicles had gathered outside Shifa International Hospital, creating security, privacy and administrative concerns.
The authorities therefore shifted the examination to the government hospital, the sources said, adding that the medical assessment ordered by the court was carried out by specialists. They said prisoners are routinely taken to government hospitals for medical treatment and noted that Mr Khan had previously undergone an eye examination at PIMS.
The government’s account differs from several earlier reports, including those by international media outlets and initial local reports, which said Mr Khan had been taken to Shifa International Hospital.
The Supreme Court, in its August 18 order, had directed authorities to transfer Mr Khan to Shifa within two days for an examination by a medical board comprising specialists and his personal physician. PTI statements issued on Thursday also said that Shifa was the hospital where he was expected to be examined.
A journalist, citing a source familiar with the transfer, reported that the venue was changed from Shifa to PIMS after a large crowd gathered outside the private hospital. The source also rejected claims circulating on social media that Mr Khan had refused to cooperate with doctors, saying he was in good spirits and fully participated in the examination.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about whether the Supreme Court’s direction specifically naming Shifa was followed as issued.
Government sources, however, maintained that the main purpose of the court order — a prompt and detailed medical assessment by qualified specialists in the presence of a family member — was fulfilled. They described the change of venue as a security measure rather than a denial of medical care.
The sources said the government would explain the arrangements before the court.
Azma Khan has yet to publicly disclose her account of the examination or confirm which hospital was used.
