ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred from jail to a hospital, according to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, addressing a longstanding request from his party and family regarding his health.
Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases following his removal from office in 2022. He has denied wrongdoing and has described the cases as politically motivated.
His sons raised concerns about his health last year, while his lawyers said he had experienced significant loss of vision in his right eye while in prison.
“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,” PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said.
The court has directed that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16, according to Khan’s spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha, who made the statement on X.
Since his removal from power in a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, including those involving state gifts and his marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, while appeals remain pending. Khan denies wrongdoing.
In February, cricket figures from several countries, including India, called for better treatment of Khan and expressed concern about his prison conditions.
PTI won the 2018 general election and continues to have significant support in several parts of Pakistan. Ahead of the 2024 election, the party lost its election symbol, requiring its candidates to contest as independents.
About the Author
