Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Hospital Transfer for Imprisoned Former Prime Minister Imran Khan

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan must be transferred to a hospital following mounting concerns from his family and political party regarding his declining health.

Imran Khan, 73, has remained incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in a series of cases that he maintains are politically motivated following his ousting from office in 2022. The cricketer-turned-politician's sons have repeatedly warned about his deteriorating physical condition over the past year, while his lawyers report that he has suffered significant vision loss in his right eye during his imprisonment.

According to his spokesman Naeem Haider Panjutha, the court directed that Imran Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours to stay until September 16. "Mindful of the fundamental right, we are issuing this order to ensure health and safety of the prisoner," stated Justice Shahid Waheed, who led the three-judge bench presiding over the petition.

Additionally, the court mandated the establishment of a specialized medical panel for his treatment, consisting of his personal doctor, a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, and an eye specialist.

Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesman for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, praised the decision, stating, "It's a very welcome order and we wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much." He added that the former prime minister should remain hospitalized until all attending physicians are fully satisfied with his condition. In accordance with the court's directives, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party urged its supporters and members to refrain from gathering outside the hospital.

The government did not issue an immediate response to the ruling. Since losing power in an April 2022 no-confidence vote, Imran Khan has faced numerous charges, including allegations of misappropriating state gifts and unlawful marriage. Although some convictions have faced suspension, overturning, or pending appeals, he continues to deny all accusations.

In February, prominent international cricketers, including figures from neighboring India, voiced "deep concern" over his prison conditions and demanded better treatment for him. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, which originally gained power in 2018 and maintains a substantial support base across vital provinces, was stripped of its election symbol prior to the 2024 election, forcing its candidates to contest the polls as independents.