ISLAMABAD: Security was tightened around Shifa International Hospital on Thursday night as authorities prepared for the possible transfer of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala jail.
Heavy contingents of Islamabad police were deployed around the hospital, while barriers were placed on roads leading to the facility. Vehicles parked nearby were also removed.
Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi visited the hospital to review security arrangements. Senior administration officials also inspected the preparations.
Sources said arrangements for Imran’s transfer had been completed and he could be shifted from Adiala jail to Shifa around midnight or in the early hours of Friday.
Hospital sources said special arrangements had been made for his possible treatment. Imran would initially undergo a medical examination in the emergency department, where a team of six specialist doctors would assess him before deciding whether he should be admitted.
The heightened security came as the Supreme Court’s deadline for transferring Imran to Shifa approached. However, authorities had not officially confirmed whether the transfer would take place.
The government has challenged the Supreme Court’s order directing Imran’s transfer to the private hospital. The review petition was returned by the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office on Thursday over objections, including incomplete paper books, and government sources said it was subsequently filed afresh.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the government was awaiting a decision on the review petition, while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said there was time until midnight to implement the court’s order.
The Supreme Court had on Tuesday ordered Imran’s transfer to Shifa for medical assessment and treatment and directed the formation of a medical board comprising specialists.
The court’s order came amid concerns over Imran’s health, including problems with his vision. The former prime minister has been imprisoned at Adiala jail since 2023 after convictions in several cases, which he and his party describe as politically motivated.
As the deadline approached, the security measures around Shifa indicated that authorities were preparing for Imran’s possible arrival, although no official confirmation of his transfer had been issued.
