The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued an order on Tuesday directing that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from his detention facility to Shifa International Hospital. The ruling fulfills a long‑standing request from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) party and his family, who have repeatedly raised concerns about his health while incarcerated.
Health concerns cited
Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases he describes as politically motivated following his removal from office in 2022. His legal team reported that he has lost significant vision in his right eye while in prison. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari called the court’s decision “a very welcome order” and expressed regret that it was not issued sooner.
Details of the court order
The court instructed that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until at least September 16, pending medical clearance. PTI spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha confirmed the timeline on the party’s official X account.
Background on legal battles
Since losing power in a no‑confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, including charges related to state gifts and an alleged unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, and appeals are ongoing. Khan continues to deny any wrongdoing.
International reaction
Cricket legends from Pakistan and abroad, including several from neighboring India, have publicly expressed concern over Khan’s treatment in prison, urging better medical care.
PTI, which won a national election in 2018 and maintains a sizable support base across key provinces, was stripped of its election symbol ahead of the 2024 vote, forcing its candidates to run as independents.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
