Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to transfer former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment, amid growing concerns over his health and repeated demands from his family and lawyers for access to specialist care.
The 73-year-old former prime minister has been imprisoned since August 2023 and remains behind bars in connection with multiple cases. His family, lawyers and PTI have in recent months raised concerns about his deteriorating health, particularly problems affecting his eyesight, and have sought treatment by doctors of his choice.
According to the order issued by the Supreme Court, Khan will be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. It was directed that a medical team would be formed including specialists for Khan’s case, and Khan’s personal physician would be linked with the entire process as well. Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, would also be part of his medical care.
Court Seeks Complete Medical Record
Former PM’s health was not the only matter that came before the Supreme Court. In the course of Tuesday’s hearing, the judges of the court raised doubts about the medical reports presented by the prison officials.
Shahid Waheed questioned why the court was being presented only with a brief report of the health condition of Mr Khan, instead of the whole medical history. The court instructed them to submit his whole medical history, not just a summary of it.
This action follows months of dispute regarding Khan’s medical rights. His family and legal representatives argued that the accused should be seen by experts and provided treatment in a hospital that can offer him what he needs medically.
A recent jail medical report had indicated that Khan’s right-eye condition had improved after treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with his vision described as almost normal. However, concerns about his overall health have continued, prompting the latest legal intervention.
Medical Board To Be Formed
According to Supreme Court’s orders, a medical board will be set up to evaluate Khan’s condition and supervise his treatment in Shifa International Hospital.
Khan’s personal doctor and his sister Dr Uzma are to be associated with the medical process, allowing his family to have a role in monitoring his treatment. The arrangement follows repeated demands from Khan’s family and legal team that his medical care not be limited to prison-based assessments.
The court has further instructed that security should be arranged for Khan in the hospital throughout his stay. The expenses for his treatment will be borne by his family, as per reports.
Khan’s Health Has Been A Growing Concern
Khan’s health has increasingly become a point of concern during his imprisonment. His sons and legal team have previously raised alarms over his declining eyesight and other health problems.
Earlier reports said Khan had suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye, with his lawyers attributing the deterioration to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. Authorities, however, have maintained that he has received medical attention and regular examinations while in custody.
The latest jail report reportedly indicated improvement in his eyesight following treatment at PIMS, but the Supreme Court’s decision to order a transfer to a private hospital signals that the court considers further medical assessment and treatment necessary.
This is a developing story.
Sources: The Express Tribune, and The News.