In brief
Pakistan’s top court has issued an order directing the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been jailed since 2023 on corruption charges, to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The decision follows complaints from his legal team about his eyesight, general health and limited access to specialist care. The court also allows weekly family visits and telephone calls with his sons. Khan’s lawyers argue the charges against him were politically motivated, while the government has not responded publicly. The order comes amid a backdrop of protests and a crackdown following his arrest, and it has stirred concern over the safety of supporters outside the hospital.
Court Order
A three‑judge panel of Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that the former Prime Minister, former cricketer Imran Khan, be transferred from prison to Shifa International Hospital within the next 48 hours for a comprehensive medical examination.
Health Concerns
Khan, who has faced over one‑hundred corruption cases since his 2023 arrest, says his eyesight and overall health have deteriorated in prison and he has been denied specialist care. His lawyers claim he now has only 15% vision in his right eye, yet the government disputes the allegation.
Family and Support
The court also provided that Khan may receive weekly visits from family members and telephone calls with his sons, a provision meant to safeguard his dignity and security. Judges warned supporters against gathering outside the hospital during his transfer.
Political Context
Khan’s imprisonment followed his 2022 resignation under a political upheaval that sparked large‑scale protests by loyalists, which authorities have since curbed. Despite his sentence, his political party Tehreek‑e‑Insaf maintains a robust support base.
