Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan moved to hospital after court order, his party says

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved to a hospital in Islamabad early Friday for a medical examination, according to his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The transfer followed a Supreme Court order and comes after supporters have long demanded Khan's health be evaluated, citing concerns over his deteriorating condition while incarcerated for over three years.

The move is seen as a potential step toward reducing tensions between Khan's party and Pakistan's military establishment, which have been strained since Khan's removal from office in 2022.

Khan's lawyers have reported that his health has declined significantly in prison, including a loss of vision in his right eye. However, the government maintains that recent medical reports show no urgency requiring immediate treatment. On Tuesday, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and granted him access to a medical panel that includes his personal physician.

PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the court's decision, calling it "a new ray of hope." However, he emphasized that the party would continue with a nationwide march planned for September 27 to demand Khan's access to medical care, expedited hearings in his cases, and his release. Khan has been in prison since August 2023, with his lawyers alleging that the charges against him are politically motivated, a claim the government denies.