Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s hospital visit has triggered a fresh political confrontation after he was taken from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for a medical checkup before being returned to prison.

Khan’s party, PTI, has filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court, accusing authorities of violating an order that reportedly directed his medical examination at Shifa International Hospital.

The Pakistan government has rejected the allegations, saying security concerns linked to PTI supporters prompted the change in hospital. Officials said a team of doctors examined Khan and declared him medically fit.

PTI has rejected the government’s explanation and maintained that no party workers were present around the hospital.

Imran Khan Hospital Row Escalates | PTI Files Contempt Petition Over Supreme Court Order

Pakistan’s dependence on external financial support is deepening, with Saudi Arabia adding another $3 billion to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

The latest support takes Saudi cash deposits with Pakistan’s central bank to $8 billion, providing Islamabad with additional foreign-exchange liquidity and helping meet external financing pressures.

But the fresh Saudi support does not resolve Pakistan’s underlying financing challenges. Islamabad is also looking toward Washington, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirming that Pakistan has formally requested a $10 billion exchange stabilization support facility from the United States.

Pakistan says the proposed US facility would not be a conventional loan or credit line, but rather a confidence signal for its currency and foreign-exchange stability. Islamabad hopes stronger external backing could improve investor confidence and eventually help the country return to international capital markets for longer-term borrowing.

Pakistan’s Financial Crisis Deepens: Saudi Adds $3 Billion As Islamabad Seeks $10 Billion From US

Balochistan is facing fresh security concerns after a major gas pipeline explosion disrupted supplies across several areas, while seven miners were reportedly abducted in a separate incident.

The explosion damaged an 18-inch gas transmission pipeline near Gorkat in the Bolan district, disrupting gas supplies to several areas and causing low pressure in parts of Quetta and surrounding regions. Repair work is reportedly awaiting security clearance.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, which comes amid a long-running separatist insurgency in Balochistan that has previously targeted energy and infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, seven miners working for a private copper mining company were reportedly abducted by armed men in the Shagai district. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of workers and mining operations as Pakistan seeks to expand investment in its mineral-rich province.

Balochistan Security Crisis Deepens: Gas Pipeline Blast Disrupts Supplies, Seven Miners Abducted

Pakistan is facing a deepening poverty crisis, with rising economic inequality and falling real incomes across the country.

The latest government estimates show that more people are slipping below the poverty line than at any time in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for social and economic reforms.

Around 70 Million Live Below The Poverty Line In Pakistan