Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan to Be Moved From Jail to Hospital

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities to move former Prime Minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital for medical examination, following concerns raised by his lawyers about his health.

A three-member Supreme Court panel directed that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours, where doctors will assess his condition.

The court also ordered that the jailed former prime minister be allowed weekly meetings with his family and telephone calls with his sons.

Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Khan’s Health

The court said its decision was based on its constitutional and legal responsibility to protect the life, health, dignity and security of prisoners.

Khan’s lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his medical condition, including problems with his eyesight and access to specialist treatment.

The 73-year-old has been in prison since August 2023 after being convicted in corruption-related cases. He has consistently rejected the allegations and described the cases against him as politically motivated.

Imran Khan to Receive Specialist Medical Care

According to the court order, an eye specialist will be involved in Khan’s treatment during his hospital stay.

His lawyers previously claimed that his eyesight had deteriorated significantly. In February, one of Khan’s lawyers said he had only around 15% vision remaining in his right eye, an allegation disputed by the government.

Khan’s adviser Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the Supreme Court ruling but said the decision should have come earlier, arguing that Khan’s eye and overall health had already deteriorated.

Family Meetings and Phone Calls Also Ordered

The Supreme Court’s order goes beyond Khan’s hospital transfer.

The judges also directed that he be permitted to have weekly meetings with family members and telephone conversations with his sons.

These measures could provide Khan with greater contact with his family while he remains imprisoned.

Supporters Warned Not to Gather Outside Hospital

Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and members of the Supreme Court have urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital when he is transferred.

The court order reportedly makes clear that supporters must not violate the conditions surrounding the transfer.

The warning comes as Khan continues to have a large and active support base despite being imprisoned.

Why Is Imran Khan in Jail?

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 and has faced more than 100 cases, involving allegations ranging from the handling of state secrets to the sale of state gifts.

Khan has rejected the accusations and repeatedly said that the legal cases against him are politically motivated.

He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were both sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year.

His imprisonment has remained one of the most politically sensitive issues in Pakistan, with his supporters staging large protests that were followed by a government crackdown.

Imran Khan Remains a Major Political Figure

Despite spending years behind bars, Khan remains one of the most influential political figures in Pakistan.

The former cricket captain served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022 before being removed from office following a vote of no confidence.

His political party continues to maintain a significant support base across the country.

The Supreme Court’s latest order could therefore have wider political implications, particularly as questions about Khan’s health and treatment in prison continue to attract public attention.

For now, authorities have been given 48 hours to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, where he is expected to undergo medical examinations, including specialist assessment of his eyesight.