Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan be shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment. The order comes amid continuing concerns over his health, particularly serious problems affecting the vision in his right eye.
The court has also ordered the formation of a specialised medical board to examine Imran Khan’s condition and recommend further treatment. The board is expected to include specialists from relevant medical fields, including a cardiologist, general physician and ophthalmologist, along with one of Khan’s personal doctors.
According to reports, the court has directed that Khan remain under hospital care until September 16, subject to medical requirements and further directions. The decision follows a prolonged legal and medical dispute over where he should receive treatment and whether his personal doctors should be allowed access to him.
Government agrees to follow court order
The government has assured the Supreme Court that its decision regarding Imran Khan’s transfer and medical treatment will be implemented. The court’s intervention comes after repeated requests from Khan’s family and lawyers for specialised treatment outside the prison.
The PTI had earlier sought Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital, particularly for treatment of his eye condition, and had also requested access for his personal physicians.
Concern over Imran Khan’s eyesight
Health concerns surrounding the former prime minister have mainly focused on his right eye. Earlier medical reports referred to a serious condition affecting the retina, with concerns that delayed treatment could cause further damage to his eyesight. Doctors associated with Khan had argued that he required treatment at a specialised hospital such as Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The issue had already reached the Islamabad High Court, which ordered the formation of a medical board in March while dealing with a petition seeking Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Family visits and contact with sons
The Supreme Court has also addressed Khan’s access to his family. The latest ruling allows weekly family visits and phone calls with his sons, who live abroad. His family had repeatedly raised concerns about limited access to him during his imprisonment.
PTI asked not to politicise his health
While ordering medical care, the Supreme Court has also directed the PTI not to turn Imran Khan’s health into a political issue. The court’s focus is on ensuring proper medical examination and treatment rather than allowing the health issue to become another source of political confrontation.
The PTI has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and has also urged its supporters not to gather outside the hospital.
Background
Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023 following a series of legal cases. His party and supporters have repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated, while Pakistani authorities and courts have dealt with the cases through the legal process. Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most influential political figures despite his imprisonment.
The Supreme Court’s latest order puts the focus firmly on his health and medical treatment. The specialised medical board will now play an important role in assessing his condition and determining the treatment he requires.
