Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Hospital Transfer for Imran Khan

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred to a hospital for medical examinations following concerns raised by his lawyers about his health.

Justice Shahid Waheed said the 73-year-old Khan should be moved within two days to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical checks.

Khan has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases. His lawyers and family members have repeatedly raised concerns about his health while in custody and have sought medical assessments by specialists.

The former prime minister received treatment for an eye condition at a hospital earlier this year. His family and lawyers have said he has suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye.

Khan and his wife were both sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year. The former cricket captain has faced several legal cases since being removed from office, covering allegations including corruption and other offences.

Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have consistently rejected the charges against him and maintain that the legal proceedings are politically motivated.

Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed through a no-confidence vote. His government had become increasingly involved in a political dispute with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, which has played a major role in the country’s politics for decades.

His removal from office was followed by a series of legal battles that eventually led to his imprisonment. He has remained a central figure in Pakistani politics despite being behind bars.

Khan’s arrest in May 2023 triggered widespread protests across Pakistan. Some demonstrations became violent, with attacks on public buildings and military installations reported in several cities. Hundreds of people were arrested during the unrest.

The government has continued to pursue legal cases against Khan and senior figures in his party, while PTI supporters have repeatedly called for his release.

The Supreme Court’s hospital order comes as Khan’s health remains a major issue for his supporters and legal team. His lawyers had petitioned the court seeking medical attention after expressing concerns over his condition and access to appropriate treatment.

The decision means Khan will temporarily leave the prison system for hospital examinations. Details of the medical assessment and any treatment recommendations are expected to emerge after he is examined by doctors.

The case has added another development to the prolonged legal and political crisis surrounding the former premier. Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most influential political figures, and his imprisonment continues to be a major source of political tension between his supporters and the authorities.