The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been moved from Adiala Jail to a hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment, as confirmed by his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This shift occurred early on Friday, following a directive from the Supreme Court, which mandated that he receive specialised medical care. PTI stated that Khan, aged seventy-three, was taken to Shifa International Hospital.

This relocation comes amidst growing concerns from Khan’s family and supporters regarding his declining health over recent months. It is seen as a possible step towards reducing tensions between his party and the country’s influential military leadership.

According to PTI, the Supreme Court’s order led to the transfer, emphasising the need for Khan to receive adequate medical attention during his imprisonment.

Supreme Court Mandates Medical Care

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court instructed relevant authorities to relocate Khan to Shifa International Hospital within a 48-hour timeframe. The Court specified that he must be evaluated by a panel of medical professionals, including his personal doctor. Khan is expected to remain at the hospital until the next court hearing scheduled for September 16.

Initially, the government consented to follow the Supreme Court’s instructions. However, it subsequently filed a petition seeking a review and revocation of this order. Khan’s legal team has claimed that his health has significantly deteriorated during his detention, alleging he has experienced considerable vision loss in his right eye. Conversely, the government has asserted that medical assessments did not reveal any immediate need for hospitalisation.

Concerns about Khan’s health heightened earlier this year after he was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion. Since then, he has made multiple visits to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment, with his family and party colleagues advocating for his transfer to a private healthcare facility. They have also raised issues regarding his limited access to medical support, lawyers, and family members.

Khan’s Ongoing Legal and Political Challenges

Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023. His incarceration comes amidst claims of politically motivated charges against him, which the government has dismissed. Khan served as Prime Minister from 2018 until his removal in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. Following his ousting, tensions escalated between his PTI movement and the military establishment.

In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, Khan’s party has endured significant restrictions, impacting their ability to campaign effectively. He was initially apprehended on May 9, 2023, which incited widespread protests throughout Pakistan. Following another arrest on August 5 of the same year, in connection with various corruption allegations, including the controversial Toshakhana case related to the alleged illegal sale of government gifts, he has remained imprisoned.

A spokesperson from PTI, Zulfikar Bukhari, indicated that the Supreme Court’s decision provided a “new ray of hope” for supporters of the former Prime Minister. Nonetheless, he stated that the party intends to proceed with its planned nationwide protest on September 27, aiming to advocate for Khan’s access to his supporters, expedite hearings for his pending legal matters, and push for his release.

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