Pakistan: Former PM Khan briefly moved to private hospital

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefly moved from jail to a private hospital on Friday, following a Supreme Court order, according to a party spokesperson. Khan, who has been in prison since 2023, was examined by a team of doctors and declared medically fit. The move comes after the Supreme Court mandated his transfer within 48 hours, initially perceived as a move to ease tensions between Khan's party and the military establishment.

Despite some government opposition, including Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar requesting medical tests be conducted at a government hospital, the government has agreed to comply with the court's ruling. Khan's supporters claim his health has declined during his incarceration, while his lawyers state he has lost significant vision in his right eye.

However, the government had previously stated that his medical reports found no condition requiring immediate treatment. Khan, a former cricketer-turned-politician, served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022 and was convicted on multiple charges, including unlawful marriage and corruption. He remains a popular figure, with his party still holding significant support across key provinces in Pakistan.