In brief
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital due to worsening health conditions. The 73‑year‑old, who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges he claims are politically motivated, faces multiple medical issues including limited vision. The court emphasized its duty to protect the prisoner’s health, dignity and security, and granted Khan weekly family visits and mobile phone use. The move follows complaints that prison authorities failed to provide adequate medical care and has sparked backlash from the political party Tehreek‑e‑Insaf, which warned supporters not to congregate outside the hospital. While the federal government remains silent, the ruling reflects the court’s intervening role in safeguarding the rights of incarcerated political figures.
Pakistan’s top court has ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.
In the court’s ruling, a three‑judge panel stated that the court is mindful of its constitutional duty to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of a prisoner. The former cricket star‑turned‑politician has been jailed since August 2023 on corruption charges he alleges are politically motivated.
Khan’s lawyers claim he suffers from a range of health issues, including poor eyesight; prison authorities were accused of not providing specialist medical care. A recent report cited his lawyer saying Khan retains only about 15% vision in his right eye.
The order also gives Khan the right to meet family members on a weekly basis and to keep phone contact with his sons. The Supreme Court stipulated that copies of medical records should be available and that an eye specialist must be involved in his treatment.
Political activists and supporters of Khan’s party, Tehreek‑e‑Insaf, have been cautioned not to gather outside the hospital when the transfer occurs, as this would breach the court’s directive. Khan’s imprisonment triggered mass protests from his supporters, which were quelled by security forces.
Despite his incarceration, Khan remains a potent figure in Pakistani politics, with a sizable following and a continuing influence over his party’s direction. The government has yet to publicly respond to the court’s decision.
