Pakistan's Supreme Court has directed the transfer of jailed former PM Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment. The court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to monitor his health.
- Imran Khan to be moved to Shifa International Hospital within two days.
- A medical board will be constituted to assess the health of the 73-year-old leader.
- Khan is permitted one weekly meeting with his family during his hospital stay.
- The court warned against the political misuse of medical reports.
In a significant judicial intervention, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The order, issued for medical assessment and treatment, mandates that the 73-year-old leader remain at the private facility until the next scheduled hearing on September 16.
The ruling follows persistent concerns raised by Khan's family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding his deteriorating health. Specifically, petitions highlighted dissatisfaction with the medical care provided in government facilities, particularly concerning a recent eye ailment. The three-member bench, led by Justice Shahid Waheed, emphasized that the order was necessary to safeguard the fundamental rights and safety of the prisoner.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this judicial move is a critical attempt to de-escalate the tension between the state and Khan's supporters. By moving the former PM to a private hospital, the court is attempting to provide a neutral ground for medical verification, thereby mitigating allegations of human rights violations and medical negligence used by the opposition.
The court's decision acts as a procedural buffer to ensure that medical necessity is not overshadowed by political maneuvering.
The court has further directed that a senior doctor and Khan's personal physician must be present during his medical evaluation. While jail authorities submitted reports claiming Khan's vision had significantly improved following treatment for right central retinal vein occlusion, the PTI has consistently accused the authorities of denying him adequate healthcare and access to legal counsel.
According to official jail records, Khan has undergone 39 medical check-ups since November 2023. The latest reports indicate his blood pressure is stable at 140/80 and his ECG is normal. However, the court has taken a stern view of potential unrest, directing that law and order must be maintained outside the hospital and warning that any political exploitation of his medical status could result in the withdrawal of these facilities.
| Feature | Jail Medical Report Claim | PTI/Family Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Condition | Vision almost normal | Inadequate treatment provided |
| Medical Access | 39 check-ups conducted | Systematic denial of care |
| Facility Type | Government-led care | Demand for private specialist care |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Where will Imran Khan receive his treatment?
Answer: He will be treated at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
Question 2: How long will he stay at the private hospital?
Answer: The court has ordered him to stay there until the next hearing on September 16.
