Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from prison to a hospital for urgent medical treatment, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced. The directive from the nation’s highest court comes amid growing concerns over the health of the 73-year-old former cricketer turned politician.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the court mandated Khan’s relocation to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours, with instructions for him to remain under medical care until September 16. This order follows persistent appeals from Khan’s family and party members who have expressed significant worries about his deteriorating health condition while in custody. Lawyers representing Khan have previously stated that he experienced a substantial loss of vision in his right eye, a condition they attribute to his imprisonment. His sons have also voiced alarm over his declining health.
Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for the PTI, acknowledged the court’s decision, suggesting that the intervention should have occurred sooner to prevent further negative impacts on Khan’s eye and overall well-being. He emphasized that Khan should continue to receive hospital care until medical professionals are fully satisfied with his recovery.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, following convictions in multiple cases. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated. Since his ousting from the prime minister’s office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, Khan has been entangled in numerous legal battles. These include charges related to the handling of state gifts and allegations of an unlawful marriage. While some of his convictions have since been overturned or suspended, several other appeals are still pending adjudication.
The PTI, which secured victory in the 2018 general elections, continues to hold considerable influence and support across various regions of Pakistan. However, the party faced a significant setback prior to the 2024 general elections when it was stripped of its electoral symbol. This disenfranchisement compelled a substantial number of its candidates to contest the elections as independent aspirants, impacting their campaign visibility and logistical support.
The Chenab Times News Desk