PrisonTransfer – Imran Khan to Be Shifted to New Islamabad Jail Facility
PrisonTransfer – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be relocated to a newly constructed prison in Islamabad once the facility becomes operational within the next two months.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Friday that the new jail in the federal capital is nearing completion and will include dedicated medical services. Speaking to reporters, he said the transfer would take place after construction work concludes. According to Naqvi, because Khan was convicted by a court in Islamabad, it is appropriate for him to serve his sentence in a prison located in the capital.
New Facility to Include Medical Infrastructure
Naqvi emphasized that the upcoming prison complex will be equipped with healthcare amenities to address inmates’ medical needs. He did not specify the scale of these facilities but indicated they would be adequate for routine and specialized treatment. The announcement comes at a time when questions have been raised about the former prime minister’s health while he remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Allegations of Health Neglect Surface
Concerns over Khan’s physical condition intensified after reports claimed that his eyesight and general health had significantly declined during his imprisonment. A report prepared by Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae Salman Safdar, and accessed by NDTV, alleged that Khan has lost nearly 85 percent of vision in his right eye. The document stated that repeated medical complaints were not addressed promptly by jail authorities.
The findings also referenced prolonged periods of solitary confinement, describing the treatment as severe. Khan’s aides have characterized the conditions as deliberate and unlawful, alleging that they reflect broader institutional neglect.
Legal Action and Court Intervention
The matter has reached Pakistan’s Supreme Court, which is closely monitoring the situation. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi underscored the urgency of the health concerns, stating that Khan’s medical condition is of paramount importance. A two-member bench set February 16 as the deadline for conducting a comprehensive medical examination.
The court further directed authorities to ensure that Khan is allowed to communicate with his children, reinforcing the importance of maintaining family contact even during incarceration.
Earlier, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan filed a contempt of court petition against Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum. She alleged that medical instructions and court directives had not been fully implemented. Political figures associated with Khan’s party have echoed these claims, pointing to what they describe as negligence by prison officials.
Government Denies Allegations
Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, rejected assertions that medical complaints were ignored. He stated that Khan would be permitted to consult any ophthalmologist of his choice for an eye examination. Sanaullah accused opposition leaders of politicizing the health issue and insisted that the government has complied with court orders.
Officials maintain that medical protocols are being followed and that the planned transfer to the Islamabad facility reflects an effort to provide improved infrastructure, not an admission of wrongdoing.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
Supporters of Imran Khan argue that the developments reinforce long-standing concerns about his treatment since his conviction. They contend that incarceration conditions have had a damaging impact on his physical and mental well-being. The amicus report quoted Khan as saying he expects only the basic necessities required for survival.
The case continues to generate political debate across Pakistan, with the judiciary now playing a central role in overseeing his medical assessment. As the February 16 deadline approaches, attention remains fixed on whether the court-ordered examination will clarify the extent of Khan’s health issues and what steps authorities will take thereafter.