Pakistan Supreme Court orders Imran Khan's transfer from jail to hospital

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital. The directive was issued on Tuesday, according to his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Imran Khan's party and family had long been demanding his hospitalisation, expressing concern over his physical condition. The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison since August 2023. After being ousted from power in 2022, multiple cases were filed against him, leading to convictions. Khan maintains the cases are politically motivated.

Last year, his sons repeatedly expressed concern over his deteriorating health. His lawyers had said his right eye vision had significantly deteriorated while in prison. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said, "This is a welcome order. We wish it had come earlier so his eyes and overall health had not deteriorated this much." He added, "He should remain in hospital until doctors are satisfied."

Khan's spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha posted on X that the court ordered Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and kept there until September 16.

After losing power through a no-confidence vote, multiple cases were filed against Imran Khan, including charges related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. While sentences in some cases were stayed or overturned, appeals in others remain pending. Khan has denied all allegations. In February this year, cricket legends from India and other countries demanded better treatment for Imran Khan and expressed "deep concern" over his condition in prison.

PTI came to power in 2018 and still enjoys significant public support in several key provinces. However, the party's electoral symbol was revoked before the 2024 elections, forcing PTI candidates to contest as independents.