Imran Khan transferred from prison to hospital as court raises serious health concerns

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that former prime minister Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital immediately for a comprehensive medical examination. 

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The court also directed the formation of a medical board to assess his health and ordered that he be kept under tight security at the hospital. It further stressed that his transfer should not be politicized and directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) not to allow rallies, demonstrations, or protests outside the hospital.

Court seeks details of all cases registered against Khan

Shifa International Hospital is a leading private tertiary-care hospital in Islamabad, with a team of internationally trained specialists and advanced medical facilities. 

The court sought details of all cases registered against Khan, along with his complete medical records, and ordered the Adiala Jail superintendent to appear at the next hearing.

During the hearing, the court also considered a request by Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, to meet him. Her lawyer, Uzair Bhandari, told the court that she should be allowed access because she is a doctor. He also said Khan had been kept in solitary confinement for a prolonged period and had not been allowed to meet his sisters.

Justice Shahid Waheed expressed concern during the hearing that Khan’s medical reports could be used for political purposes. The court was told that Khan’s sister would cover the cost of his treatment at the private hospital.

PTI Secretary-General Barrister Salman Akram Raja assured the court that the party would not use the reports for political purposes. The court subsequently stressed that Khan’s health matters should remain separate from political activities.

Khan’s levels of stress and anxiety were significant enough to require medical intervention

According to a medical report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities, Khan was experiencing “severe” symptoms of anxiety. The report was submitted in response to a petition Raja filed concerning Khan’s health.

An official familiar with the situation told The Media Line that the medical reports submitted to the Supreme Court showed that Khan’s unstable and poorly controlled blood pressure, combined with significant psychological stress and anxiety, warranted serious attention. 

The official said that while the government-provided medical record did not indicate an acute cardiac condition, it showed that Khan’s levels of stress and anxiety were significant enough to require medical intervention.

Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023. He was diagnosed earlier this year with a retinal condition in his right eye that his lawyers warned could result in permanent vision loss. 

His family and party have repeatedly raised concerns about his physical and psychological well-being and called for access to independent medical care.

PTI has repeatedly demanded that Khan be treated at Shifa International Hospital by doctors of his choosing rather than at government medical facilities. His sisters, who are doctors, have also sought access to him.

Authorities, however, have maintained that medical facilities are available to Khan at Adiala Jail.