In a significant legal development in Pakistan, the Supreme Court has ordered the immediate transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for urgent medical treatment. This decision follows a petition filed by his sisters regarding the deterioration of his health, particularly concerning cardiac issues and eyesight.
The hearing was presided over by a three-member bench, including Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Naeem Afghan, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. During the proceedings, the Advocate General admitted that Khan had received five injections related to his cardiac and blood pressure concerns, despite these details being absent from the official medical summaries previously provided to the court.
The court expressed grave concern over the state of Khan’s health, with Justice Shahid Waheed highlighting that multiple vital organs appear to be under stress, accompanied by high anxiety levels. The court rejected the government’s attempt to keep Khan within the jail's medical facilities, questioning the efficacy of the current care. Consequently, the court ordered that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within two days, where he will remain under medical supervision until at least September 16. The court also mandated that a comprehensive medical record, rather than just a summary, be provided by the next hearing to ensure full transparency regarding his treatment.
A key provision of the court’s order is the inclusion of Khan’s family and personal physicians in his care. Dr. Uzma, his sister, and his personal doctors, Dr. Asim and Dr. Faisal Sultan, have been granted permission to be present with him at the hospital. The family has agreed to bear the expenses of the treatment at the private medical facility.
The court also addressed the issue of visitation rights, criticizing the government’s limitations on meetings between Khan and his sisters. Despite claims from the Advocate General that the sisters had violated regulations, the court affirmed that these meetings are a fundamental right and must be facilitated. Counsel for the family provided assurances that these visits would not be used for political discourse, as the primary focus remains Khan's health and recovery. The court strictly warned that if the medical privilege is exploited for political purposes, the facility could be revoked. This development marks a moment of relief for his supporters, following weeks of concern regarding his condition while in custody.
