In brief
Pakistan’s former prime minister and former cricket captain Imran Khan has been transferred from prison to a hospital under close security, following a three‑judge Supreme Court ruling that ordered his medical examination within 48 hours. The move comes after allegations of a deteriorating state of health, including a severe loss of eyesight, that Khan’s lawyers say have been ignored by prison authorities. The judge’s order underscored the need to protect the life, health, dignity, and security of the prisoner and stipulated that an eye specialist be involved. The arrest has sparked large‑scale protests by supporters and a crackdown by Pakistani authorities, with the ruling party warning against gatherings near the hospital. Despite his detention, Khan remains a prominent figure with a sizable following in Pakistani politics.
Imran Khan’s transfer to a hospital in Islamabad follows a Supreme Court ruling that ordered his examination within 48 hours.
Khan, who has been jailed on corruption charges since August 2023, was moved from Adiala prison with heavy security escort to Shifa International Hospital. The decision came after his lawyers highlighted a series of health problems, including a severe loss of vision and other conditions that prison staff allegedly failed to manage.
A three‑judge panel in Islamabad’s Supreme Court emphasised its duty to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of a prisoner. The court specifically called for an eye specialist to be involved in Khan’s treatment, noting that his right eye had reportedly been reduced to only 15% vision by the time of the review.
Khan’s support base remains crucial in Pakistani politics, and his detention has triggered widespread demonstrations. Authorities warned that any gathering near the hospital would breach court orders, and police have already acted against protestors who attempted to converge on the medical facility.
