Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical evaluation, following sustained concerns from his family and legal team about his deteriorating health. The court also directed prison authorities to allow Khan weekly meetings with family members and telephone calls with his sons, reversing earlier restrictions on access.
The three-judge bench, led by Justice Shahid Waheed, cited Khan’s fundamental right to health and safety in issuing the order. Khan, 73, has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023, serving two separate sentences totaling 31 years on charges he alleges are politically motivated. His legal team and family had petitioned the court for his transfer, citing concerns over his vision loss, general health, and solitary confinement conditions.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Supreme Court’s decision mandates that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until at least September 16, where he will undergo examination by a medical board including a cardiologist, general medicine specialist, eye specialist, and his personal physician, Faisal Sultan. The court also prohibited Khan’s supporters from gathering outside the hospital, citing potential disruption to other patients.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party welcomed the ruling, with spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari stating, “We wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much.” The party emphasized the need for full and immediate implementation of the order. Khan’s younger son, Kasim, added that his father’s health was “all that mattered” and expressed hope that the government would comply with the court’s directive.
Deeper Dive & Context
Health Concerns and Official Rationale
Khan’s health has been a central issue in his detention, with his family and legal team repeatedly raising alarms. In January 2024, his sons claimed he had lost 85% of the vision in his right eye, though government officials later disputed this, asserting he had regained 70% of his vision. Khan’s lawyers and PTI officials described his prior conditions as “inhumane”, citing reports of filthy water, hepatitis outbreaks among inmates, and psychological torture tactics, including isolation from human contact for up to 23 hours daily.
The court’s order cited Pakistan’s constitution, which guarantees access to medical care, as the basis for its decision. Justice Waheed stated, “Mindful of the fundamental right, we are issuing this order to ensure health and safety of the prisoner.” The ruling comes after earlier requests for a hospital transfer were denied, and follows international pressure, including a February 2024 open letter from 14 cricket legends urging better treatment for Khan.
Prison Conditions and Access Restrictions
Khan’s detention has been marked by strict security measures. In early 2024, prison officials banned visitors following intelligence reports of a potential attack on Adiala Jail. His family has struggled to secure regular access to him, with prior attempts to arrange medical examinations or family visits repeatedly blocked. The Supreme Court’s order now reinstates weekly family meetings and phone calls, a significant shift from the prior restrictions.
Political and Legal Context
Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was removed from office in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote. His subsequent imprisonment on corruption and national security charges has been widely criticized by his supporters as politically motivated. The PTI party has framed his detention as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures, while government officials have not publicly responded to the court’s order or the allegations of mistreatment.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the ongoing tension between judicial oversight and executive authority in Pakistan, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. The ruling also highlights the role of international pressure in shaping domestic policy, as evidenced by the cricket community’s humanitarian appeal.
Ongoing Developments
As of the court’s announcement, no official reaction has been issued by Pakistan’s government or interior ministries, despite requests for comment from international media outlets. Khan’s legal team has urged his supporters to respect the court’s order and avoid gatherings outside the hospital, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and orderly process. The medical board’s findings, expected by September 16, will determine Khan’s next steps, including whether further treatment or transfer is required.