Pakistan top court orders Imran Khan moved from jail to hospital

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred from jail to hospital for medical examinations, following a petition by his lawyers due to concerns over his health. The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician is to be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days.

Khan, who was convicted in 2023 on charges he claims were politically motivated, has lost most of his vision in his right eye, according to his lawyers. Medical officials recorded high blood pressure, palpitations, and anxiety when they examined Khan at Adiala jail last week. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his family have repeatedly expressed worries about his health while in prison.

A close aide of Khan stated that he hopes the move to the hospital would have happened earlier to prevent his health from declining further. Khan's spokesperson indicated that he is expected to remain in the hospital until September 16. Khan served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 to 2022, before being ousted in a no-confidence vote.

He was subsequently convicted on multiple charges, including allegations of an unlawful marriage and corruption, and was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Despite being in prison, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party retains significant support in key provinces, and Khan himself is a popular figure. His arrest in early 2023 led to nationwide protests that resulted in hundreds of arrests.

Earlier this year, cricket legends from around the globe wrote to the Pakistani government, urging for Khan's proper medical treatment in prison, highlighting the need for "decency and justice".