Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital amid growing concerns over his health. The decision meets a long-standing demand from Khan’s family and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which have repeatedly sought better medical care for the former premier.
A three-judge Supreme Court bench directed that Khan be moved from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours. According to the court order, he is to remain there until September 16 for medical evaluation and treatment.
The court has also ordered the formation of a specialised medical panel to oversee Khan’s treatment. The panel will include a cardiologist, a general physician, an ophthalmologist and Khan’s personal doctor. The decision follows concerns raised by his lawyers and family over his deteriorating health while in custody.
Khan’s health has been a growing source of concern in recent months. His family and lawyers have previously claimed that he suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye while in prison. Pakistani authorities have disputed some of the claims, saying his eyesight later showed improvement.
The Supreme Court also directed prison authorities to allow Khan weekly meetings with his family and telephone contact with his sons. His family had complained about difficulties in accessing him and securing examinations by doctors of their choice.
Khan’s PTI welcomed the ruling, calling it a positive development while expressing regret that the hospital transfer had taken so long. The party also urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital when Khan is transferred, in order to avoid disrupting patients and medical services.
The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been imprisoned since 2023 following convictions in several cases. Khan denies wrongdoing and has described the cases against him as politically motivated. Several of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, while other legal proceedings and appeals remain pending.
The court’s intervention is significant because Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most influential political figures despite being behind bars. His supporters have repeatedly demanded improved prison conditions and his release, while the government continues to face political pressure over his legal status.
The latest order is expected to provide Khan with access to specialist medical care while also allowing closer contact with his family during his hospital stay.
