Key facts
- Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
- The transfer was ordered by a three-judge Supreme Court panel.
- Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and faces over 100 cases.
- His lawyers cited health issues, including poor eyesight, as reasons for the hospital transfer.
- The Supreme Court stressed the constitutional obligation to protect a prisoner's health and dignity.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination, fulfilling a demand by his supporters who say his health has deteriorated in prison. The move followed a Supreme Court order that mandated his examination by physicians within 48 hours. Khan, 73, was moved from Adiala jail under heavy security. His lawyers have stated that he suffers from various health conditions, including poor eyesight, and has been unable to access specialized medical care. The government has stated that medical reports did not indicate a condition requiring immediate treatment. The Supreme Court panel acknowledged the constitutional and legal obligation to safeguard the life, health, dignity, and security of prisoners. Judges indicated that an eye specialist would be involved in Khan's treatment. Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, issued warnings against supporters gathering outside the hospital, which would violate the court order. Khan, who served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023. He faces charges in over 100 cases, including allegations of leaking state secrets and selling state gifts, which he maintains are politically motivated.