‘Move Imran Khan To Hospital’: Pakistan’s Top Court Amid Health Concerns For Ex-PM

Pakistan’s Top Court Orders Imran Khan’s Transfer to Private Hospital Amid Alarming Health Concerns

Islamabad, Pakistan – In a significant development, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the immediate transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital, providing a much-needed reprieve for the incarcerated leader whose health has been a growing source of alarm. The directive comes after persistent demands from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and family, who cited recent "alarming" medical reports from Adiala Jail.

According to PTI spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha, the apex court has mandated Khan’s relocation to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours, where he is to remain until at least September 16th. The court has also facilitated weekly meetings between the former prime minister and his family, addressing a key concern regarding his isolation.

Crucially, the Supreme Court’s order includes the formation of a specialized medical board to oversee Khan’s health. This board will include his personal physician and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, ensuring comprehensive medical assessment and care. However, the court has also imposed a strict condition: Khan’s lawyers and family are prohibited from disclosing his medical reports to the media or politicizing his health condition.

The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been held at Adiala Jail since August 2023, following his conviction in a series of cases that he vehemently asserts are politically motivated, a consequence of his ouster from power in 2022.

Mounting Concerns Over Khan’s Deteriorating Health

Concerns about Imran Khan’s health have been escalating for months. His sons have repeatedly voiced apprehension, and his lawyers have reported a significant loss of vision in his right eye during his imprisonment.

Adding to the chorus of concern, Pakistan’s former President Arif Alvi publicly stated that Khan’s medical reports were "alarming." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Alvi elaborated on his assessment, revealing that he had reviewed Khan’s medical documents with several specialists. He explicitly highlighted worries about Khan’s "anxiety and stress levels," "palpitations," and "high blood pressure." While acknowledging that sleeplessness wasn’t directly mentioned in the report, Alvi inferred its likelihood based on the medications Khan was taking.

"I have known Imran Khan for more than 35 years. Stress was never his weakness. That it is now at peak levels tells you everything about what three years of imprisonment and total isolation have done to him," Alvi wrote, underscoring the profound impact of his incarceration on his well-being.

PTI Welcomes the Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court’s decision has been met with relief and a cautious welcome from the PTI. Zulfikar Bukhari, another spokesperson for the party, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "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." Bukhari further emphasized the party’s desire for Khan to remain in the hospital until all medical professionals are fully satisfied with his condition.

The Legal Battles Facing Imran Khan

Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote, Imran Khan has been embroiled in numerous legal challenges, including cases pertaining to state gifts and an alleged unlawful marriage. While some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, appeals in several cases remain pending. Khan consistently denies any wrongdoing, maintaining that these charges are part of a political vendetta.

The international community, particularly the cricketing fraternity, has also voiced its disquiet over Khan’s situation. In February, cricket legends from across the globe, including from rival India, called for improved treatment for Khan, expressing "deep concern" regarding his prison conditions.

Despite the legal battles, PTI continues to command a substantial support base across key provinces. However, a significant blow was dealt to the party ahead of the 2024 elections when it was stripped of its election symbol, forcing its candidates to contest as independents. The ongoing legal challenges and health concerns surrounding its leader undoubtedly add another layer of complexity to the party’s political landscape.