Pakistan Supreme Court orders transfer of Imran Khan to hospital for health reasons

The Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered the transfer to a hospital of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023. The decision was made following an application by Khan's lawyers citing a deterioration in his health.

The court panel ruled that the 73-year-old opposition leader be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in the capital, Islamabad, within two days. A special medical board will be established to monitor Khan's treatment process.

Uzair Bhandari, one of Imran Khan's lawyers, announced that the board will include Khan's sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, and his personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan. The court also granted permission for Khan to meet with his family in person at the hospital and to communicate by phone with his sons living abroad.

It was stated that the decision followed a medical report submitted to the court by the warden of Adiala Jail. The report, based on examinations conducted by a cardiology board on August 10, noted that Khan was experiencing irregular fluctuations in blood pressure and suffering from anxiety due to limited contact with his family.

Khan, who is scheduled to remain in the hospital until the next hearing on September 16, will spend the longest period outside of prison since his arrest. Khan and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintain that the corruption charges brought against him are politically motivated.