SC orders moving jailed ex-PM Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical checkup

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently jailed at Adiala Jail, to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. A three-member bench of the court, led by Justice Shahid Waheed and including Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the order following several petitions seeking Imran's hospitalization.

Imran had previously requested the court in May for directions regarding his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, access to personal physicians, family members, and counsel, as well as the disclosure of his medical details to his family.

The court's directive includes the formation of a medical board at Shifa International Hospital, which will consist of a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, an eye specialist, and Dr. Faisal Sultan, Imran's personal physician. Additionally, the court has ordered weekly meetings between Imran and his family members and telephonic conversations with his sons during his stay at the hospital.

The court emphasized the importance of Imran's health and the fundamental rights to life and access to medical facilities, as enshrined under Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

The court also directed jail authorities to ensure weekly meetings between Imran and his family members and telephonic conversations with his sons. The court-ordered medical board will examine Imran, who is currently 74 years old and has been facing health issues, including uncontrolled blood pressure, palpitations, and headaches.

The court has ordered the expenses of the complete medical checkup to be borne by Imran's family and attendants. Moreover, the court has issued several caveats, including the restriction on sharing the medical report with the media or using it for political purposes. Violations of the court's order will result in the withdrawal of the hospital facility and the freedom to file applications against the government's reluctance to comply.