Pakistan’s Supreme Court Orders Ex-PM Imran Khan to Hospital

The Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from jail to a hospital. This decision comes after years of demands from his party and family, who have raised concerns about his health.

Imran Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023, following his removal as prime minister in 2022. He has been convicted in several cases he claims were politically motivated. His sons had previously expressed worry about his deteriorating health, particularly after he lost vision in his right eye while in prison.

“This order is very welcome,” said Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan’s party. “We wish it had happened sooner to prevent his health from worsening.”

The court has directed that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until September 16. Since losing power in a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some of these convictions have been overturned or are under appeal, with Khan denying any wrongdoing.

Earlier this year, cricket legends from around the world, including some from India, called for better treatment of Khan, expressing concern over his prison conditions.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won power in 2018 and still has a strong support base. However, it lost its election symbol ahead of the 2024 vote, forcing its candidates to run as independents.