The short version
- The Supreme Court has directed that Imran Khan be transferred to a hospital in Islamabad within two days for comprehensive medical examination.
- Legal representatives argue the former prime minister suffers from deteriorating health, including severe vision loss, due to inadequate prison care.
- Authorities and political allies have urged supporters to avoid protests during the transfer to comply with judicial orders and maintain public order.
Pakistan’s highest judicial body has issued a directive requiring the immediate transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from his current detention facility to a medical center. The three-judge panel ruled that the seventy-three-year-old politician must be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within forty-eight hours. This decision comes after sustained complaints regarding the former leader’s declining physical condition while incarcerated.
The court emphasized its constitutional responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity, and health of individuals held in custody. Judges noted that safeguarding these rights is a legal obligation that cannot be overlooked. The order specifically mandates that physicians examine Khan upon his arrival at the hospital. An ophthalmologist will also participate in the medical assessment, addressing specific concerns about his eyesight.
Legal counsel for Khan has asserted that their client is enduring multiple health issues, including significant visual impairment. Lawyers claim that prison officials have neglected to provide necessary specialist care. In February, an attorney stated that Khan retained only fifteen percent vision in his right eye due to administrative inaction. Government representatives have contested these allegations, denying that the prisoner has been denied appropriate medical attention.
The judicial ruling also grants Khan limited personal privileges during this period. He will be permitted weekly meetings with family members and allowed telephone conversations with his sons. These concessions aim to provide some relief from the isolation of imprisonment while ensuring he receives urgent medical evaluation. The court did not specify a timeline for his return to jail after treatment.
Zulfikar Bukhari, an adviser to Khan, expressed regret that the intervention occurred so late in the process. He suggested that earlier action might have prevented further deterioration of Khan’s eyesight and general well-being. This sentiment reflects broader frustration among supporters who believe the former prime minister has been subjected to harsh conditions as part of a political strategy.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges that he consistently describes as politically motivated. He faces over one hundred cases involving allegations such as leaking state secrets and mishandling government gifts. Last year, both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, received seventeen-year sentences. These convictions have intensified tensions between the former leader’s political base and the current administration.
Despite his incarceration, Khan remains a potent figure in Pakistani politics. His Tehreek-e-Insaf party continues to mobilize supporters who view him as a victim of judicial overreach. The government has not issued an official statement regarding the Supreme Court’s latest order. However, officials have previously maintained that all legal proceedings against Khan are legitimate and procedurally sound.
To prevent unrest, both the judiciary and members of Khan’s party have warned supporters against gathering outside the hospital during the transfer. Such assemblies would violate the court’s directives and could lead to further crackdowns by security forces. Previous protests demanding Khan’s release were met with strict enforcement actions by authorities. The situation remains delicate as stakeholders await the outcome of the medical evaluation.
The case underscores the complex interplay between legal authority, political rivalry, and human rights considerations in Pakistan. As Khan undergoes examination, attention will focus on whether his health issues are acknowledged officially or if they remain a point of contention. The resolution of this matter may influence broader perceptions of judicial independence and executive accountability in the country.
Observers note that the Supreme Court’s intervention highlights growing scrutiny of detention conditions for high-profile political figures. While the government maintains its stance on the legality of Khan’s imprisonment, the court’s emphasis on prisoner welfare signals a potential shift in how such cases are managed. The coming days will reveal whether this ruling leads to sustained improvements in Khan’s treatment or serves as a temporary measure.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Pakistan top court orders ex-PM Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail
