Pakistan top court orders ex-PM Imran Khan moved to hospital from jail

Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a hospital, a move long sought by his party and family who have voiced serious concerns about his declining health. Khan, a 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, has been incarcerated since August 2023 following convictions on charges he maintains are politically motivated after his 2022 ouster.

His sons had previously expressed deep worry over his deteriorating condition, with lawyers reporting significant vision loss in his right eye while in detention. "It’s a very welcome order and we wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much," said Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. He added, "He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied."

According to Khan's spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha, the court directed that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16. Since losing power via a no-confidence vote, Khan has been involved in numerous legal battles, including cases related to state gifts and an alleged unlawful marriage. While some convictions have been suspended or overturned pending appeals, he denies all allegations.

Khan's imprisonment has drawn international attention, with cricket figures from Pakistan and India expressing "deep concern" over his prison conditions in February. PTI, which held power in 2018, retains substantial support but was stripped of its electoral symbol before the 2024 general election, forcing its candidates to run as independents.

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It’s a very welcome order and we wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much. He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied.