Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan be shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital amid concerns over his health. The 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader has been in custody since 2023, and his family and party have repeatedly sought better medical care for him.
The court has directed authorities to transfer Khan to the Islamabad hospital within 48 hours. According to his spokesperson, he is to remain there until September 16, unless doctors determine that he is fit to return to prison earlier.
Court steps in amid health concerns
The Supreme Court’s decision follows growing concerns about Khan’s physical and mental health while he remains imprisoned.
His legal team and family had been pressing authorities for a hospital transfer, particularly over problems affecting his eyesight and other reported health issues.
Khan’s PTI party welcomed the Supreme Court’s order but said the transfer should have happened earlier. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said the party hoped Khan would remain in hospital until doctors were satisfied with his condition.
Medical reports mention anxiety and palpitations
Medical records submitted to the court reportedly showed that Khan had complained of palpitations, headaches, restlessness and severe anxiety.
Doctors also recommended that he have more frequent contact with his wife and family, saying this could help with his anxiety and blood pressure.
The reports came despite authorities telling the court that Khan’s eyesight had improved significantly following treatment and was now described as almost normal.
The conflicting concerns surrounding his general health prompted renewed demands for further medical supervision outside the prison.
Eye condition had triggered earlier concerns
Khan’s eyesight has been a particular source of concern for his family and supporters.
His lawyers had previously said that he suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in prison. Earlier this year, he was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad for treatment of an eye condition.
His supporters have alleged that his medical treatment has not always been adequate and have sought access to doctors of their choice.
Authorities, meanwhile, have maintained that Khan has received medical treatment while in custody.
Transfer ordered to Shifa International Hospital
The Supreme Court has specifically directed that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The transfer is expected to take place under tight security given Khan’s political profile and the large support base he continues to command.
The court has also directed authorities to ensure that his medical records are made available and that appropriate security arrangements are maintained around the hospital.
PTI welcomes the decision
Khan’s party described the ruling as a positive development but expressed disappointment that the intervention had taken so long.
PTI leaders have repeatedly demanded that Khan receive treatment from doctors of his choice and have greater access to his family and legal team.
The party has also criticised the conditions under which its founder has been held since his imprisonment.
Imran Khan has been in jail since 2023
The former cricketer-turned-politician has been imprisoned since August 2023.
He was removed as Pakistan’s prime minister in 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote. Since then, he has faced several criminal and corruption-related cases.
Khan has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly argued that the cases against him are politically motivated. Some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, while other legal challenges remain pending.
His imprisonment has remained one of the most contentious issues in Pakistani politics.
Khan remains a major political force
Despite being behind bars, Khan continues to command substantial support through PTI.
The party faced major obstacles during Pakistan’s 2024 general election after it was deprived of its traditional election symbol, forcing many of its candidates to contest as independents.
PTI nevertheless retained a significant political presence, underlining the continuing influence of Khan and his political movement.
His health has consequently become both a humanitarian concern and a politically sensitive issue.
Family has repeatedly raised concerns
Khan’s sons have previously expressed concern over his health and treatment in prison.
His family has sought greater access to him and called for appropriate medical intervention when his eyesight and general health deteriorated.
The latest Supreme Court order addresses one of their central demands by allowing Khan to receive treatment in a hospital rather than continuing his medical care exclusively within the prison system.
Court sets September 16 timeframe
According to Khan’s spokesperson, the court has directed that he remain at Shifa International Hospital until September 16, unless doctors conclude earlier that he is medically fit.
This means the hospitalisation could extend for several weeks, giving doctors an opportunity to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of his health.
The decision also places his medical condition under greater scrutiny as his legal and political battles continue.
International attention on Khan’s treatment
Khan’s treatment in custody has attracted attention beyond Pakistan.
Earlier this year, former international cricket captains and prominent cricket figures raised concerns about his prison conditions and called for appropriate medical care.
The latest court intervention is therefore likely to attract further international attention, particularly because Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent political figures.
Political and legal battles continue
The hospital transfer does not affect Khan’s ongoing legal proceedings.
His appeals against various convictions remain part of Pakistan’s wider political and judicial landscape. The former prime minister continues to deny the allegations against him.
For now, however, the immediate focus is on his health and the medical treatment he will receive after being transferred from Adiala Jail.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, responding to longstanding concerns raised by his family and PTI over his health. The court has directed authorities to complete the transfer within 48 hours, with Khan expected to remain in hospital until September 16 unless doctors clear him earlier.
Medical records submitted to the court have cited symptoms including anxiety, palpitations, headaches and restlessness, while authorities have said his eyesight had improved after treatment.
The order represents a significant development in the treatment of Pakistan’s jailed former premier, whose imprisonment and legal cases have remained at the centre of the country’s political conflict.