Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Hospitalised During Jail Term

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Prison toumshe Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad after reports of declining health emerged.

Khan was moved Haag under strict security from the jail to the hospital, according to his political party, though an official confirmation of the transfer has not yet been released.

The transfer followed a Supreme Court decision by a three‑judge panel that ordered Khan be examined by medical professionals within 48 hours.

This court action marks the most substantial judicial relief Khan has received since his 2023 arrest on corruption charges, which he contends are politically driven.

The court ruling also permitted Khan to see family members, a privilege he had not exercised for months; his sister visited him later that Tuesday night.

PTI typically asserts that unfavorable court rulings are politically motivated, but it has refrained from attributing political maneuvering to the Supreme Court’s decision.

Police sealed the area around Shifa International Hospital with barriers and a fleet of vehicles, and the BBC reported that additional trucks were used to clear traffic.

The Supreme Court instructed Khan’s party not to hold press briefings outside the hospital, warning against politicisation of his medical stay.

Khan’s legal team reports he suffers from multiple health issues, including impaired vision, and has had limited access to specialised care.

In February, a lawyer for Khan stated he retained only 15% vision in his right eye following prison authorities’ inaction; the government disputed the claim.

The court order detailed that ‘the constitutional and legal obligation to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of the prisoner’ must be upheld.

An eye specialist has been brought in to assist with Khan’s treatment at the hospital.

Judges and PTI officials cautioned supporters against gathering outside the hospital, citing potential violation of the court’s mandate.

Khan previously led the Pakistan national cricket team and served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

In August 2023 he was imprisoned amid over a hundred charges ranging from alleged leaks of state secrets to the sale of state gifts—allegations he has repeatedly called politically motivated.

Last year, both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, received 17‑year sentences.

The sentencing sparked large‑scale protests by supporters that were subdued with force by authorities.

Despite his incarceration, Khan continues to exert significant influence on Pakistani politics, maintaining robust support amongst voters.

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