Supreme Court Mandates Hospitalization for Former Prime Minister
In a major judicial directive, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered authorities to immediately transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The order was issued on Tuesday following growing health concerns raised by Khan’s legal team, family, and supporters. The apex court directed prison officials to shift the 73-year-old leader under strict security protocols and keep him admitted for comprehensive medical evaluation until the next hearing.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership welcomed the court’s intervention. Party representatives emphasized that the medical transfer had been a longstanding demand, citing deteriorating physical condition and the need for specialized medical supervision that could not be adequately provided within prison premises.
Medical Reports Highlight Blood Pressure, Vision, and Anxiety Issues
Medical documents and official reports submitted to the Supreme Court revealed complex health issues. While prison authorities claimed that Khan’s eyesight had shown recovery following specialized eye procedures, medical records indicated ongoing complaints of high blood pressure, severe headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and cardiac palpitations.
Attending medical experts recommended that Khan be granted regular access to his family and personal physicians to manage his blood pressure and stress levels effectively. Khan’s family and lawyers previously raised serious alarms over significant vision impairment in his right eye, asserting that prolonged detention without specialized hospital care posed severe long-term health risks.
Tight Security Arrangements and Law & Order Directives
Recognizing the sensitive nature of the transfer, the Supreme Court issued strict instructions to local administration and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order around Shifa International Hospital. Authorities were tasked with establishing multi-layered security cordons around the facility to prevent public disruptions or unauthorized gatherings.
The court further instructed prison management and medical administrators to submit a full, updated medical report detailing Khan’s health metrics and treatment plan prior to the upcoming judicial proceedings. Plainclothes security officers and specialized paramilitary forces were deployed along the transport route and medical grounds to ensure absolute safety.
Political Context and PTI’s Sustained Legal Battle
Imran Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 until his removal via a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April 2022, has been incarcerated since August 2023. He faces multiple legal charges spanning state gift disclosures, corruption allegations, and official secrets violations—charges that Khan and PTI maintain are politically motivated attempts to sideline his leadership.
Despite legal setbacks and the loss of its official electoral symbol during recent polls, PTI retains widespread public support. Party officials reiterated their resolve to continue fighting all cases through constitutional means while demanding that Khan remain hospitalized under expert care until his health stabilizes completely.
