Imran Khan transferred from prison to hospital as court raises serious health concerns
The court also directed the formation of a medical board to assess his health and ordered that he be kept under tight security at the hospital.
On Tuesday, Pakistan's Supreme Court mandated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for a thorough medical examination. The court also established a medical board to evaluate Khan's health status and insisted on maintaining stringent security measures at the hospital. The court emphasized that the transfer must not be influenced by political motives and directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to prevent rallies, protests, or demonstrations near the healthcare facility.
The court sought comprehensive details of all cases registered against Khan, as well as his full medical records, and ordered the superintendent of Adiala Jail to attend the next hearing. During the hearing, Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, requested permission to visit him. Her lawyer, Uzair Bhandari, argued that she should be granted access as she is a doctor.
He also highlighted that Khan had been confined to solitary detention for an extended duration and not permitted to meet his sisters. Justice Shahid Waheed expressed apprehension during the hearing, warning that Khan's medical records might be exploited for political gain. The court was informed that Khan's sister would bear the expenses of his treatment in the private hospital.
PTI Secretary-General, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, assured the court that the party would not utilize the reports for political purposes. The court reiterated that Khan's health concerns should remain distinct from political activities. Khan's heightened levels of stress and anxiety were deemed severe enough to necessitate medical intervention.
According to a medical report submitted by Adiala Jail officials, Khan was exhibiting "severe" anxiety symptoms. The report, submitted in response to a petition filed by Raja regarding Khan's health, revealed that Khan's unstable and inadequately controlled blood pressure, coupled with significant psychological stress and anxiety, warranted serious medical attention.
An official familiar with the matter told The Media Line that the medical records presented to the Supreme Court indicated that, although Khan's government-provided medical report did not suggest an acute cardiac issue, it demonstrated that Khan's stress and anxiety levels were significant enough to require medical attention. Khan, aged 73, has been incarcerated since August 2023.
He was diagnosed earlier this year with a retinal issue in his right eye, which his lawyers warned could lead to permanent vision loss. His family and political party have persistently expressed concerns about his physical and psychological well-being and have advocated for his access to independent medical care. The PTI has repeatedly demanded that Khan be treated at Shifa International Hospital by his preferred doctors rather than at government medical institutions.
His sisters, who are medical professionals, have also sought to visit him. Authorities, however, have maintained that medical facilities are accessible to Khan at Adiala Jail.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
