Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken to a hospital in Islamabad due to reported health concerns, according to local media. The move came after a ruling by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, which ordered Khan to be examined by physicians within 48 hours. The 73-year-old ex-leader has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated.

Khan's legal team claims he suffers from various health issues, including poor eyesight, and has been unable to receive proper medical care while in custody. In February, Khan's lawyer reported that his client had only 15% vision left in his right eye due to inadequate measures taken by prison authorities, a claim the government refuted.

The court order emphasized the importance of safeguarding the prisoner's life, health, dignity, and security, and mentioned that an eye specialist would be involved in Khan's treatment. Khan, who previously led the Pakistan national cricket team, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022 and faces over 100 charges across multiple cases, which he also labels as politically motivated.

He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years each in 2022. Khan's detention sparked sizable protests from supporters, who were met with a crackdown by authorities. Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics.