Pakistan's top court orders Imran Khan to be moved from prison to hospital

On Tuesday, Pakistan's Supreme Court made a significant ruling, mandating that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred from prison to a hospital. The former cricketer and politician, who is currently incarcerated since August 2023, has been at the center of various cases that he claims were politically motivated since his removal from office in 2022.

Khan's sons have been vocal about his declining health over the past year, with his lawyers noting that he has lost substantial vision in his right eye while in prison.

The court, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, issued an order for Khan's transfer to Shifa International Hospital within the next 48 hours. This directive is aimed at ensuring the former premier's health and safety. The court further mandated the formation of a medical panel to oversee Khan's treatment, which will include his personal doctor, a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, and an eye specialist.

Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesman for Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, commended the court's decision, expressing relief that it came sooner to prevent further deterioration of both his eye health and overall well-being. The party urged its members and supporters to avoid gathering outside the hospital, in accordance with the court's directive.

As of now, there has been no immediate response from the government to the court's ruling. Khan, 73, has been facing multiple charges since his political downfall in April 2022, including accusations of misappropriating state gifts and engaging in an unlawful marriage. Despite several of his convictions being suspended or overturned through appeals, Khan maintains his innocence.

Prominent cricketers from around the world, notably from India, had previously expressed deep concern about Khan's prison conditions in February. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which came to power in 2018 and retains a strong base in several key provinces, was stripped of its election symbol ahead of the 2024 elections, requiring its candidates to run as independents.