Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan underwent emergency surgery to clear an obstruction in his small intestine.

Khan was rushed to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital after he developed a severe pain in the upper abdominal region on Monday morning. Doctors said he was out of danger.

After conducting tests, doctors advised him to undergo an urgent operation to clear an obstruction in his small intestine.

He was operated upon by surgeon Amir Ali Syed. "We successfully operated on his intestinal obstruction and he is now out of danger. He is in the ICU and has been advised to stay in the hospital for at least three days," Syed said.

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A large number of people thronged the hospital to inquire about Khan's health.

His former wife Jemima, their two sons and former cricketers phoned Khan to wish him a speedy recovery.

Over the past few days, Khan, who heads the Tehrik-e-Insaaf party, has been busy with the launch of a public contact campaign across the country.

He addressed five public meetings in different parts of Lahore on Sunday and criticised President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, saying there was no difference in their policies.