Key facts
- Imran Khan's aide, Zulfikar Bukhari, indicated the former PM would not confront the military or army chief if released.
- The Supreme Court ordered Khan's transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours.
- Khan, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 on corruption charges.
- The court also granted Khan weekly family visits and phone calls with his sons.
- Khan's lawyers cited health issues, including poor eyesight, as reasons for the transfer.
Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for medical treatment. The court's decision comes amid concerns raised by Khan's lawyers about his deteriorating health, including issues with his eyesight.
Khan's aide, Zulfikar Bukhari, signaled a potential shift in the former prime minister's rhetoric, suggesting that if released, Khan would not confront the military or the army chief, Asim Munir. Bukhari expressed hope that the military leader could "extend a healing hand" to Pakistan.
The court also mandated that Khan be allowed weekly meetings with his family members and telephone calls with his sons, who reside abroad. A medical board, comprising Khan's sister Uzma Khan and his personal physician Dr. Faisal Sultan, will oversee his treatment. Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges, which he maintains are politically motivated. He has faced over 100 cases, including convictions for corruption and selling state gifts, all of which he denies.
Previously, Khan's lawyers had alleged that prison authorities failed to provide adequate medical care, leading to a significant decline in his vision. Medical records submitted to the court also indicated Khan had complained of palpitations, headaches, restlessness, and severe anxiety, with doctors recommending increased family contact to manage these symptoms.