Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned, be moved to a hospital for medical examinations. This decision follows a petition filed by Khan's legal team, which highlighted concerns about his deteriorating health.
According to Deutsche Welle, the court ordered that Khan, aged 73, be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days. Khan, a former cricketer turned politician, has been incarcerated since 2023 following his conviction on multiple charges, which he claims are politically motivated. Concerns about Khan's health have been repeatedly raised by his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his family, with his lawyers stating that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye.
The decision came after a medical team conducted an examination at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail last week, where they observed high blood pressure, palpitations, and anxiety. Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a close aide to Khan, expressed relief at the court's order, stating, "It's a very welcome order and we wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much." He added that Khan should remain hospitalized until doctors are fully satisfied with his condition.
Khan's spokesperson indicated that he is expected to stay in the hospital until September 16. Khan, who served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was removed from office following a no-confidence vote. He was later convicted on several charges, including allegations of an unlawful marriage and corruption, and was sentenced to 17 years in prison alongside his wife. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan's party, PTI, continues to enjoy substantial support across key provinces in Pakistan, and Khan remains a popular figure. His arrest earlier this year sparked nationwide protests, leading to the arrest of hundreds of people. Additionally, cricket legends from around the globe have urged the Pakistani government to ensure Khan receives appropriate medical care in prison, appealing for "decency and justice" in a letter sent earlier this year.