Pakistan government to challenge court order moving ex-PM Imran Khan to hospital

Key facts

• Pakistan's government will challenge a Supreme Court order to move jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital.
• Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated the government believes the order is not lawful and will seek a review.
• Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 and faces multiple cases, though most convictions have been suspended or overturned.
• The Supreme Court had ordered Khan's transfer to Shifa International Hospital within two days and access to his personal physician.
• Khan's family has expressed concern over his deteriorating health, including vision loss in his right eye.

Pakistan's government intends to challenge a Supreme Court order that mandated the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a private hospital. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the government believes the court's decision is not in line with the law, which typically requires prisoners to be treated within jail facilities or at public hospitals. A review appeal will be filed to modify the order.

The Supreme Court had previously directed that Khan, 73, be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days and be granted access to his personal physician. Khan's party and family have been advocating for improved healthcare and visitation rights, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, including significant vision loss in his right eye.

Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, facing a series of politically motivated cases, according to his claims. While he has faced convictions, most have been suspended or overturned pending appeals. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had welcomed the court's order for his hospital transfer.