'Move Imran Khan to hospital': Pakistan SC directs government amid health concerns

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the government to transfer imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital, following growing health concerns. Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted on several politically motivated charges. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party praised the court’s decision, hoping it would have been implemented sooner to prevent Khan’s deteriorating health condition.

The court’s directive requires Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16. This development comes amid mounting worries over Khan’s physical and mental well-being, as his family and lawyers have been denied access to him for seven months. The concerns were voiced by Khan’s sons, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, who highlighted issues such as lack of access to family, lawyers, and doctors.

President Arif Alvi also expressed alarm over Khan’s medical reports, citing anxiety, palpitations, and high blood pressure as major concerns. Alvi emphasized the need for constant medical monitoring, including a 24-hour Holter monitor, to ensure Khan’s health does not deteriorate further. The former prime minister’s legal troubles escalated following his removal from office in a no-confidence vote in 2022, leading to multiple cases, some of which have been suspended or overturned with appeals pending. Khan maintains his innocence in all allegations.