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Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been shifted from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) for medical examinations after reportedly collapsing inside his prison barrack, raising fresh concerns about the health of the senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.
The former foreign minister was transferred to the cardiac hospital on Tuesday, November 10, following a recent episode of dizziness and a fall during his imprisonment. His lawyer confirmed the hospital transfer, while sources said he required further medical tests to assess his condition.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi Shifted to PIC for Medical Tests
According to reports, Shah Mahmood Qureshi was moved to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology after experiencing health problems in Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The transfer came several days after the PTI vice chairman reportedly collapsed while walking inside his prison barrack. His medical condition prompted renewed calls from his family, legal team and party colleagues for appropriate medical attention.
The hospital transfer is particularly significant given Qureshi’s previous medical difficulties during imprisonment.
His current condition and the outcome of the latest medical examinations have not been fully disclosed.
Fall Inside Kot Lakhpat Jail
The incident reportedly occurred when Qureshi was walking inside his barrack and suddenly experienced dizziness.
According to his lawyer, Barrister Taimoor Malik, the former foreign minister lost his balance and fell to the ground.
The fall reportedly caused injuries to his knee and arm, prompting concerns about whether he had sustained further injuries requiring specialist examination.
Qureshi’s family also expressed concern following the incident.
His son, Zain Qureshi, previously said he had met his father in jail, where Qureshi described how he had collapsed while walking inside the barrack.
Zain subsequently called on prison authorities to arrange a CT scan so that doctors could properly assess his father’s condition. He also requested dental treatment after learning that Qureshi had sustained a cracked tooth.
Blood Samples Sent for Medical Testing
Following the fall, jail authorities collected blood samples from Shah Mahmood Qureshi and sent them to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for laboratory examinations.
The samples were reportedly obtained to help assess his health following the sudden episode.
However, details about the laboratory findings have not been made public.
His subsequent transfer to PIC has provided an opportunity for further medical assessment, particularly in view of concerns surrounding his condition.
There has been no confirmed public medical diagnosis establishing the precise cause of his collapse.
Lawyer Confirms Hospital Transfer
Qureshi’s counsel, Rana Mudassar Umar, confirmed to Pulse Pakistan News that the PTI leader had been taken to PIC following the fall.
According to the lawyer, Qureshi was being kept under observation for approximately 24 hours. Doctors would then determine whether he required formal hospital admission.
The lawyer also indicated that an application had previously been submitted to the anti-terrorism court seeking medical attention for the former foreign minister, but the matter was delayed due to court holidays.
The confirmation has added to concerns about the medical facilities available to Qureshi while he remains in custody.
PTI Raises Concerns Over His Health
The reported incident has also drawn attention from PTI’s leadership.
During a meeting on November 6, the party’s core committee expressed concern over Qureshi’s fall and its potential impact on his health.
The committee called on the relevant courts, government authorities and prison administration to ensure that he was transferred to a hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and provided with necessary treatment.
The demand reflected growing concern within the party over the health and welfare of its senior leader during his continued imprisonment.
Previous Medical Issues in Custody
This is not the first occasion on which Shah Mahmood Qureshi has required hospital treatment while in prison.
In May 2025, he was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology after complaining of chest pain. Doctors conducted medical examinations and kept him under observation before he returned to jail.
He also underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute in December 2025 to remove his gallbladder, according to subsequent reporting.
These earlier medical episodes have added significance to the latest concerns surrounding his health.
Legal Cases and Continued Detention
Shah Mahmood Qureshi has remained in custody since August 2023 and is facing multiple cases connected to the May 9, 2023 protests.
The protests erupted following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, with demonstrations and attacks on military and government installations reported in different parts of the country.
Qureshi’s earlier conviction in the cipher case was overturned by the Islamabad High Court in June 2024. However, other proceedings connected to the May 9 incidents have continued.
His legal team has maintained that his detention and pending proceedings have prolonged his imprisonment despite relief in several cases.
For now, attention remains focused on Qureshi’s medical condition, the results of his examinations at PIC and the decision of doctors regarding any further treatment or hospital admission.See More on Pulse Paksitan
