Pakistan's Supreme Court has directed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, responding to longstanding health concerns raised by his party and family.
Pakistan's Supreme Court issued an order on Tuesday requiring authorities to transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. According to Khan's spokesperson, the court directed the 73-year-old be relocated within 48 hours and remain hospitalized until at least September 16. The ruling came after months of advocacy from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and family members who expressed concerns about his deteriorating health while in custody.
Khan's supporters have raised multiple health concerns during his imprisonment, which began in August 2023. His legal team previously claimed he lost significant vision in his right eye while incarcerated, and his family reported elevated blood pressure and other medical issues. A PTI spokesperson welcomed the court decision but stated it should have come earlier to prevent further health deterioration. However, a report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities indicated Khan's eye condition had improved substantially following treatment and that his vision had returned to near-normal levels—a claim that contrasts with earlier assertions from his party.
The Supreme Court instructed authorities to submit Khan's complete medical records and directed officials to maintain security and law and order outside the hospital. Khan's party had consistently demanded his transfer to enable access to his personal physicians, a request that authorities apparently resisted until the court intervened. Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 until his removal through a no-confidence vote in 2022, has faced multiple legal cases since his ouster, which he characterizes as politically motivated.
