Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to a hospital following concerns about his deteriorating health.
A three-judge panel mandated that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for comprehensive medical evaluation by physicians.
The court also ruled that Khan will be permitted weekly family visits and phone calls with his sons during his hospitalization.
Khan has been incarcerated since 2023 on corruption charges, which he consistently maintains are politically motivated.
The Pakistani government has not issued an official statement regarding the court’s decision.
In its ruling, the panel emphasized: “We recognize our constitutional and legal responsibility to protect the life, health, dignity, and security of the prisoner.”
The 73-year-old’s legal team has reported multiple health complications, including significant vision impairment, claiming he has been denied adequate access to specialized medical care.
In February, Khan’s attorney indicated his client retained only 15% vision in his right eye due to alleged delays in medical treatment—a claim the government has disputed.
Reacting to the ruling, Zulfikar Bukhari, an advisor to Khan, stated: “We regret it took this long, as his eye condition and overall health have worsened due to lack of proper care.”
The court order specifically requires an ophthalmology specialist to participate in Khan’s medical treatment.
Judges and officials from Khan’s political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, have cautioned supporters against gathering outside the hospital during his transfer, warning such actions would violate the court order.
Khan, a former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
He was imprisoned in August 2023 and faces charges across over 100 cases, including allegations of leaking state secrets and improper sale of government property—all of which he condemns as politically driven.
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, received 17-year sentences late last year.
His imprisonment sparked widespread protests by supporters, met with a government crackdown.
Despite being detained, Khan maintains considerable influence within Pakistani politics and retains substantial popular support.
