Transfer to Hospital
Imran Khan, the jailed former prime minister of Pakistan, was taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad early Friday for medical examination, his party confirmed. The move followed a Supreme Court order issued Tuesday, which directed authorities to transfer him within 48 hours and allow a medical panel, including his personal physician, to examine him.[S1][S4]
Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan's party, confirmed the transfer, stating that the Supreme Court's order had been complied with. Security was heavily reinforced around the hospital, with roads cordoned off and hundreds of police deployed. The court also ordered that Khan be allowed to meet his family weekly and speak to his sons by phone twice a week.[S3][S5]
Health Concerns and Legal Battles
Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges, which he says are politically motivated. His lawyers have argued that his health has deteriorated, including significant vision loss in his right eye. In February, his lawyer claimed he had only 15% vision left in that eye, an allegation the government disputed.[S1][S4]
The Supreme Court's ruling emphasized the constitutional duty to protect the prisoner's life, health, dignity, and safety. It also mandated the inclusion of an ophthalmologist in his medical care. Khan's political party has promised the court that there will be no public gatherings at the hospital, and the court cautioned against any political exploitation of his hospitalization.[S1][S3]
Political Implications
The move to transfer Imran Khan to a hospital is viewed as a possible initial step towards reducing friction between his political party, PTI, and Pakistan's military leadership. These tensions have been ongoing since Khan's removal from office in 2022. PTI's spokesperson, Bukhari, described the court's decision as a 'new ray of hope', yet the party has also organized a nationwide march for September 27 to advocate for Khan's freedom and expedited legal proceedings.[S4]
Khan remains a significant political figure despite his imprisonment, with supporters gathering near the hospital, some throwing flower petals. His arrest in 2023 triggered nationwide protests. The government has denied allegations of political motivation behind the cases, which number over 100, including charges of leaking state secrets and selling state gifts.[S1][S5]
