Karachi : Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been languishing in jail for over three years, to a private hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. Rejecting the government’s objections, the top court directed Khan to be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. He will remain there until September 16.
The ruling comes a day after the authorities at Adiala Jail, where Khan is lodged, tried to paint a positive picture of the ex-PM’s health. On Monday, the authorities said the 73-year-old’s eyesight had improved significantly and was now “almost normal” following treatment. Khan’s party and his family, however, doubted the claim. Just six months ago, his lawyer said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief lost nearly 85% of his vision in his right eye.
Medical records submitted to the court painted a grim picture of Khan’s health. It revealed fluctuations in Khan’s blood pressure, heart palpitations and extreme mental stress. Khan’s recent blood pressure was recorded at 140/80, and his pulse at 54 bpm. In February, his blood pressure was recorded at 120/80, which was within the normal range. The next three months will decide whether his condition is reversed or becomes permanent, Alvi tweeted.
One of Khan’s sisters, Uzma Khanum, was last allowed to meet him on December 2, 2025, after massive protests by the PTI. After meeting him, Uzma raised concerns about the awful conditions in which Khan was being kept and described his imprisonment as “mental torture”. She also said that Khan blamed Pakistani army chief Asim Munir for his present condition.
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