Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from prison to a private hospital amid concerns over his deteriorating health. According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha, the court has directed that Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16. The order comes after repeated demands from Khan's family, party leaders and lawyers for improved medical care.
The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases following his ouster as prime minister in 2022. Khan has maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated and has denied wrongdoing. His imprisonment and legal battles have remained a major political issue in Pakistan, with PTI continuing to demand better treatment and legal relief for its founder.
Concerns about Khan's health have intensified over the past year. His sons have repeatedly raised concerns about his condition, while his lawyers have alleged that he has suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye during his time in prison. Former Pakistan President Arif Alvi has also expressed concern after reviewing Khan's medical reports, describing them as alarming and pointing to issues including anxiety, palpitations and high blood pressure.
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PTI welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, with spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari calling it a positive development while arguing that the transfer should have taken place earlier. The party has urged that Khan remain under hospital care until doctors are satisfied with his overall condition. The latest order could provide temporary relief to the former premier as concerns over his physical and mental well-being continue to draw attention.
Khan has faced multiple legal cases since losing power in a no-confidence vote, including cases involving state gifts and his marriage. Some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, while other legal proceedings and appeals remain pending. Khan and his party have consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that the cases form part of a wider political campaign against him.
The developments come as PTI continues to retain significant political support despite facing major challenges ahead of and after Pakistan's 2024 general election. The party was stripped of its traditional election symbol before the vote, forcing many of its candidates to contest as independents. Khan's continued imprisonment and health have remained central issues for his supporters, while calls for better treatment have also come from prominent figures, including former cricketers and political leaders.
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