Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the authorities to move former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment, amid continued concerns about his health.
The order was issued on Tuesday after petitions concerning Khan’s medical care and access to his family and doctors came before the top court. The court directed that the 73-year-old former prime minister be transferred under security arrangements and remain at the hospital until September 16 or until doctors consider him fit to leave.
Imran Khan To Be Shifted Within 48 Hours
Khan has been in custody since 2023 and is facing multiple legal cases. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and family have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and access to appropriate medical treatment.
The Supreme Court’s latest direction means Khan will receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital rather than continuing his medical care inside Adiala Jail.
Court Seeks Medical Oversight
The court has also directed that a medical board of relevant specialists be constituted to assess and treat Khan. His personal physician and sister have been allowed access to him during his medical assessment and treatment, according to reports on the court’s order.
The Supreme Court has further sought Khan’s complete medical records as questions were raised about the adequacy and completeness of the information previously submitted regarding his treatment.
Family Meetings Also Under Focus
The court’s intervention is not limited to Khan’s medical treatment. It has also directed arrangements for regular meetings between the former prime minister and his family, along with telephone communication with his children.
The issue of access to family members has been a major concern for PTI, which has repeatedly complained about restrictions on meetings with Khan.
PTI Welcomes Court Intervention
Khan’s supporters have long demanded that he receive treatment from doctors of his choice and have access to his family while undergoing medical care.
The latest Supreme Court order represents a significant development in that dispute, as Khan is now set to leave the prison environment temporarily for treatment at a private hospital.
Political Tensions Rise Over Khan’s Health
The court’s decision comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has called for Khan’s health concerns to be treated seriously and has backed demands for treatment involving his personal doctors and family.
Afridi has also warned that continued restrictions on Khan could increase public anger and trigger larger protests by PTI supporters.
Khan’s health has become an increasingly sensitive political issue, with his party demanding better medical access while authorities have maintained that he has been receiving medical care in custody.
For now, the Supreme Court’s order ensures that the former prime minister will receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital, with his condition and medical assessment likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny.
