ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has finalised arrangements to admit former president Asif Ali Zardari, who may be shifted to the hospital from Adiala jail.

A doctor on condition of anonymity said that a few days ago a medical team of the hospital examined the former president in jail and advised some tests related to heart disease which would be held in the hospital.

However, the government will decide whether to shift Mr Zardari to the hospital or not, he said. “We will conduct some tests and it would be better if he is hospitalised,” he said.

When contacted, Pims Executive Director Dr Ansar Maxood said that it would be routine tests which would be conducted on him if the patient was shifted to the hospital.

A few days ago, Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwala had expressed grave concerns over the health condition of Mr Zardari incarcerating in prison and demanded that he should be shifted to hospital immediately.

In a statement, Mr Mandviwala had claimed that doctors had advised to shift Mr Zardari to hospital and provide him required medical treatment and facilities.

“The government should follow doctors’ advice. Every prisoner has the right to medical treatment. President Zardari’s medical tests be conducted and he should be shifted to hospital,” he had said.

Moreover, MNA Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto had also demanded that former president be shifted to hospital and provided him all medical facilities.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested the former president on June 10 after cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. On Aug 16, the court sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2019