Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment
Khan was taken from Adiala jail and sent to Shifa International Hospital under heavy security, local media report.
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who has been incarcerated since 2023, was transported to a hospital in Islamabad, the capital city, due to health concerns.
Reports from local media indicate that Khan was moved from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital under stringent security measures. This transfer was in accordance with a directive from a three-judge Supreme Court panel, which mandated that the politician, a former cricketer, be examined by doctors at a hospital within 48 hours.
Khan's imprisonment began in 2023 on corruption allegations, which he maintains are politically motivated. His legal team has stated that the 73-year-old is experiencing several health issues, including impaired vision, and has not had access to specialized medical attention. In February, Khan's lawyer claimed his client had only 15% vision remaining in his right eye due to inaction by prison authorities, an assertion the government has contested.
The court order issued on Tuesday emphasized the "constitutional and legal obligation... to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of the prisoner." The judges also specified that an eye specialist would be part of Khan's medical care at the hospital. Both the judges and members of Khan's political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, cautioned supporters against congregating outside the hospital, as this would violate the court's directive.
Khan, who once captained Pakistan's national cricket team, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. He was incarcerated in August 2023 and has faced over 100 charges, including leaking state secrets and selling state gifts, all of which he has dismissed as politically motivated. Late last year, Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were both sentenced to 17 years. His imprisonment sparked widespread protests among his supporters, which were met with a government crackdown. Despite his incarceration, Khan continues to be a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, commanding a substantial base of support.