ZOAHARIAN.COM - Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved back to prison on Friday morning after being examined by doctors at a hospital in Islamabad, who deemed him "medically fit".

Khan was examined by a "team of qualified doctors" including ophthalmologists, cardiologists and doctors, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that the cricketer-turned-politician be taken to hospital within 48 hours to be examined by doctors, following complaints about his health.

It was the most significant relief Khan has received from a court since he was jailed in 2023 on corruption charges, which he said were politically motivated.

In addition to being transferred to hospital, the court order also stipulates that Khan must be allowed to see his family, something he has not been able to do for months. On Tuesday evening, his sister Azma Khan visited him in prison

He was present throughout the medical examination stage on Thursday evening, Tarar said.

Khan's political party, the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is usually quick to claim that court rulings against it are politically motivated. They have not publicly addressed speculation that the Supreme Court decision indicates behind-the-scenes political maneuvering

The area around Shifa International Hospital has been cordoned off by police with barriers, officers and police cars in place. Outside the hospital the BBC saw cars being moved by trucks to clear the road while police cars and armored vehicles patrolled.

The Supreme Court asked Khan not to hold press conferences outside the hospital. This is a warning not to politicize his hospitalization

The 73-year-old's lawyer said he suffered from multiple health conditions, including poor eyesight, and was unable to access specialist medical care.

In February, Khan's lawyer said his client had 15% vision remaining in his right eye after prison authorities failed to take action - an allegation the government denied.

In Tuesday's court order, the panel wrote: "We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligations... to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of detainees."

The judges and PTI members issued a warning to their supporters not to gather outside the hospital - in violation of the court order.

Khan, who previously captained the Pakistan national cricket team, served as the country's prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

He was jailed in August 2023 and has faced charges in more than 100 cases, ranging from leaking state secrets to selling state gifts - all of which he has denounced as politically motivated.