LAHORE: Former foreign minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology on Tuesday for medical examinations and testS.
The transfer follows a reported episode of dizziness and a fall inside his prison barrack last week.
Although some reports raised concerns about a possible cardiac episode, a heart attack had not been medically confirmed.
Barrister Taimur Malik, Qureshi became dizzy while walking inside his barrack and fell, injuring his knee and arm.
Jail authorities subsequently collected blood samples and sent them to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for testing. His legal team also sought additional medical investigations, including a CT scan, following advice from incarcerated PTI leader and physician Dr Yasmin Rashid.
The reported fall occurred on November 4, several days before his latest transfer to the hospital.
According to the supplied report, Qureshi has remained in continuous custody since his arrest in August 2023 in the cipher case. In January 2024, he and former prime minister Imran Khan received ten-year prison sentences in that case.
The Islamabad High Court overturned those convictions and acquitted both leaders in June 2024. However, Qureshi remained detained in connection with other proceedings, including cases linked to the May 9, 2023 unrest.
He was transferred from Adiala Jail to Kot Lakhpat Jail in July 2024 for proceedings in Lahore.
Lawyer and Family Seek Bail
The supplied report quotes Qureshi’s lawyer as saying that two bail applications remain pending before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore. His legal team has urged consideration of his age, health, prolonged detention and acquittals in other cases.
The immediate focus remains the outcome of his hospital examinations. Further medical findings would clarify his condition.
