Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to shift jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital for a medical examination, amid growing concerns over his health.
The 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder is expected to be moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The court’s order came while hearing petitions concerning Khan’s medical treatment and access to his family.
The former prime minister’s family and party have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and sought treatment by independent specialists outside the prison. His supporters have also alleged that his access to adequate medical care has been restricted.
The Supreme Court has directed that a medical board examine Khan. His personal physician and sister, Dr Uzma Khan, are expected to be associated with the medical assessment.
The court has also ordered arrangements for regular meetings between Khan and his family. The directions are aimed at addressing concerns raised over his health as well as his contact with relatives while in custody.
Khan’s health has become a growing political issue in Pakistan. His family has previously raised concerns about problems with his eyesight, while reports have also referred to blood pressure and other health-related complaints.
Former Pakistan president Arif Alvi recently called for Khan to be moved to a hospital, saying the reported medical concerns required proper evaluation and treatment.
The Supreme Court’s intervention comes nearly three years after Khan was first jailed in August 2023. He has faced a series of criminal cases since his removal as prime minister and has denied allegations against him.
Khan was ousted from office in April 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Since then, he has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political turmoil, with his legal battles and imprisonment becoming major points of confrontation between his PTI and the government.
The former cricketer-turned-politician has maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated. His party has also repeatedly demanded his release and challenged his convictions in court.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan continues to wield considerable influence over PTI supporters. The party-backed candidates performed strongly in the 2024 general election, although PTI itself was prevented from contesting under its traditional electoral symbol.
The latest court order does not affect Khan’s legal status or the cases pending against him. It is focused specifically on his medical condition and access to treatment.
The hospital transfer is expected to give doctors an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive assessment and determine whether Khan requires specialised treatment or continued hospitalisation.
PTI has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision but maintained that action should have been taken earlier. Party leaders have argued that Khan’s reported health problems require continuous medical supervision.
The court has also sought to prevent the medical issue from becoming a source of further political controversy. Those involved in Khan’s treatment have been directed to maintain confidentiality regarding his medical records.
The development comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, where Khan’s imprisonment remains one of the country’s most contentious political issues. Any deterioration in his health could increase pressure on the authorities, while a favourable medical assessment could allow his detention to continue under existing legal orders.
The immediate concern for Imran’s family is access to proper medical care. His political supporters believe that the hospital transfer represents an important step after months of demands for an independent health assessment.
The medical board’s findings are now likely to determine the next course of action. Doctors will assess Khan’s condition and recommend treatment based on their findings.
Khan’s legal and political battles, meanwhile, will continue separately. His party is expected to maintain pressure for his release and challenge the cases against him through the courts.
The Supreme Court’s order therefore marks a significant development in the former prime minister’s prolonged imprisonment. For now, the focus has shifted from the courtroom to the hospital, where doctors will assess the health of one of Pakistan’s most prominent political figures.
