Preparations underway to take Imran Khan to hospital:Heavy security at Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital; treatment ordered by Pak SC

Preparations are underway to shift former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for treatment. He could be transferred to the hospital under tight security within a few hours. The move comes following an order from Pakistan’s Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the court directed that Imran be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. His family and lawyers had expressed concern over his health and demanded that he be shifted to a private hospital for treatment by doctors of his choice. Imran’s lawyer says jail authorities did not allow him to meet former PM Imran Khan has still not been taken to Shifa International Hospital despite the Supreme Court’s order. After the deadline set by the Supreme Court passed, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, said he was present outside Adiala Jail but was not allowed to meet him. According to Chaudhry, he needed to obtain Imran Khan’s signatures on a contempt petition and power of attorney. However, the jail authorities did not allow him to meet Imran. The lawyer alleged that the purpose of preventing him from meeting Imran was to stop him from filing a contempt petition in the Supreme Court over his treatment. He said, “We will still file a contempt petition in the Supreme Court.” Imran’s supporters say Punjab will be shut down if he is not sent to hospital soon Protests have intensified over Imran Khan not being shifted to hospital within two days despite the Supreme Court’s order. Imran’s supporters’ organisation, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan, has warned that if the government does not implement the Supreme Court’s order, they will hold protests across Punjab province. They have also announced a Punjab shutdown movement. Medical report raises concerns over Imran’s health A medical report presented in court raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health. According to the report, he was experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure, an elevated heart rate and significant mental stress. Imran’s recent blood pressure was recorded at 140/80, while his pulse was 54 beats per minute. In February, his blood pressure was 120/80, which is considered normal. ​