In a major relief for the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed federal authorities to immediately transfer imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to a hospital. A three-judge apex court bench ordered the government to move the 73-year-old leader to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours. Furthermore, the top court mandated that Khan remain admitted at the specialized medical facility under continuous observation until September 16.
Deteriorating Vision and Medical Board Directive
The top court’s decision addresses months of legal battles. It also responds to alarm raised by Khan’s family, lawyers, and party officials regarding his declining physical condition.
Legal counsel representing the cricketer-turned-politician informed the bench that Khan had experienced significant vision loss in his right eye. They further stated that he suffered severe fluctuations in blood pressure while in solitary confinement.
To ensure unbiased care, the Supreme Court instructed authorities to constitute a comprehensive medical board overseeing his treatment. The panel will include Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan, alongside his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan.
Additionally, the court granted permission for family members to visit him in the hospital. The court also ordered authorities to facilitate phone calls with his two sons residing in the United Kingdom.
PTI Welcomes Ruling
Welcoming the judicial directive, PTI leaders stated that the relief was long overdue. They said this was due to the sharp deterioration in Khan’s medical parameters over the past year.
Spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari noted that while the party welcomes the Supreme Court’s intervention, the decision should have been executed earlier. Otherwise, it may have prevented permanent physiological harm.
Imran Khan has remained incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions across multiple cases. These include state gift retentions and official secrets violations.
While several sentences have been suspended or overturned on appeal, Khan remains in detention on pending charges. He and his supporters maintain these charges are politically motivated.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
