Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan Transferred to Hospital From Jail

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered former Prime Minister Imran Khan transferred to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination.

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

Justice Shahid Waheed expressed concern that Khan’s medical reports could be used for political purposes. PTI Secretary-General Barrister Salman Akram Raja assured the court the party would not use the reports politically. A medical report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities stated Khan was experiencing “severe” symptoms of anxiety. Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 on corruption charges, which he and his party maintain are politically motivated.

He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years last year. The court directed Khan to be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours and to remain there until September 16. The medical board will include Khan's personal physician and his sister, Uzma Khan, who is a doctor. The court warned against sharing the medical report with the media or public, or using it for political purposes.

A medical report from August 2 noted fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headache, and restlessness, which Khan attributed to infrequent meetings with his wife and family, and lack of access to newspapers and TV. Former President Arif Alvi posted on X that Khan’s medical reports were “alarming,” citing anxiety, stress, palpitations, and high blood pressure. Khan's sons, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, have also raised concerns about his health.