Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan Moved to Hospital From Jail
Pakistan Supreme Court Directs Transfer of Ex-PM Imran Khan to Hospital Over Health Concerns
Supreme Court Orders Hospitalization of Imran Khan Amid Health Fears
Background of Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (Reuters) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered on Tuesday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved to hospital from jail, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party said, meeting a longstanding demand of his party and family, who had raised concerns about his health.
Cricketer-turned-politician Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023, convicted in a string of cases that he says were politically driven following his ouster in 2022.
Health Concerns Raised by Family and Lawyers
His sons repeatedly expressed concern regarding his deteriorating health last year, with his lawyers saying he had lost significant vision in his right eye while in prison.
Statements from PTI Representatives
“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.
“He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied,” he said.
Supreme Court’s Directive and Hospitalization Details
The court has directed Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16, Khan’s spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha said on X.
Legal Challenges and Political Context
Since he lost power in a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple cases, including over state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. He denies wrongdoing.
International and Domestic Reactions
Cricket greats from around the world, including from across the border in India, demanded better treatment for him in February, expressing “deep concern” about his prison conditions.
PTI’s Political Standing
PTI won power in 2018 and retains a large support base across key provinces. But it was stripped of its election symbol ahead of the 2024 vote, forcing its candidates to run as independents.
(Reporting by Ariba Shahid and Mubasher Bukhari, Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh)
