Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan moved to hospital from jail over health concerns

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a former cricketer, to be transferred from jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within the next 48 hours due to concerns over his health. Khan, who has been incarcerated since 2023 on corruption charges that he claims are politically motivated, will be examined by physicians in the hospital.

The three-judge panel also granted Khan the right to weekly meetings with his family and telephone calls with his sons. Khan was sentenced to 17 years in prison in late 2022, but the Pakistani government has not made a public statement regarding the court's decision.

In the court order, the panel emphasized their responsibility to protect the prisoner's life, health, dignity, and security. Khan's lawyers have reported that he suffers from various health issues, including poor eyesight, and has been denied access to specialist medical care. In February, Khan's lawyer claimed his client had only 15% vision left in his right eye due to inadequate medical attention, an allegation the government dismissed.

Zulfikar Bukhari, a Khan adviser, expressed relief at the court's decision, stating they hoped it would occur earlier to prevent further deterioration of his health. The court order mandates the involvement of an eye specialist in Khan's treatment at the hospital. The judges and members of Khan's political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, have cautioned his supporters against congregating outside the hospital during his transfer, which would violate the court order.

Khan, who was once the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He has been implicated in over 100 corruption cases, which he contests as politically motivated. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were jointly sentenced to 17 years in prison last year. Despite his imprisonment, Khan continues to hold considerable influence in Pakistani politics with a substantial base of supporters.