This development occurred after the Pakistani government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, urging the court to reconsider the order that had directed his transfer to a private hospital for medical treatment.

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was taken to Shifa International—a private hospital in Islamabad—early Friday morning but was sent back to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail just hours later.

He had been brought to the hospital for treatment following long-standing concerns regarding the health of the 73-year-old former cricketer. This development occurred after the Pakistani government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, urging the court to reconsider the order that had directed his transfer to a private hospital for medical treatment.

The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician and PTI founder was moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital. PTI spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari confirmed this while speaking to AFP, stating, “The Supreme Court’s order has been complied with.”

Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, was ousted from power following a no-confidence motion amidst tensions between his government and the Pakistani military. Subsequently, he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted in a corruption case.

Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since 2023, and concerns regarding his health have been raised repeatedly. His party alleges that the charges against him are false and politically motivated. The party maintains that he is in poor health.

Several unverified reports had claimed that Khan had died in prison, but Friday’s developments brought relief to his supporters. They subsequently gathered outside Shifa International Hospital to chant slogans in his support.

Bilal, a 52-year-old supporter of Khan’s party, the PTI, told the PTI news agency, “Our love and bond with Mr. Khan will endure.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has filed a review petition with the country’s apex court. The government argues that the court should modify the order issued on Tuesday, which directed that the imprisoned former Prime Minister be transferred to a private hospital for medical treatment.

Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s advisor on political affairs, stated that the relief granted to Khan is not in accordance with the law. He was quoted by the PTI news agency as saying, “The government has filed a review petition.”

However, the PTI—which has repeatedly claimed that Khan’s life is in danger—has demanded that the government withdraw its review petition. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said, “There can be no excuse for failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s order of August 18. Imran Khan *sahab* must be shifted to Shifa International Hospital immediately.”