ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was shifted to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital from jail early on Friday under tight security, in compliance with a Supreme Court order.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023. He faces multiple convictions and long prison sentences—including a 14-year term in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
He was jailed for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts and is also serving a 14-year sentence in a £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. However, his health has deteriorated over the course of his prison sentence.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed authorities that Khan, 73, be moved from the jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in the capital Islamabad.
Headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, a three-member Supreme Court bench, also comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the ruling on several petitions seeking Imran Khan’s hospitalisation.
The Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital for specialist examination and treatment, with his personal physician involved in the medical process. The court allowed him to remain there until September 16, subject to recommendations by a medical board.
Reacting to the apex court’s order, Federal Minister Tariq Afzal Chaudhry said the government would implement the Supreme Court’s directives “in letter and spirit.”
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan assured the court that the party would not misuse the order for political purposes.
Late on Thursday night, preparations were completed at the hospital to receive the incarcerated former premier for medical treatment. Representatives of the relevant departments and authorities, including the capital administration, police, jail officials and Rangers, were present at the hospital to finalise security and other arrangements, according to local media reports.
Videos widely shared on social media showed a large convoy of vehicles leaving the prison under heavy security, though Imran Khan himself was not visible.
He is facing more than 100 legal cases, including corruption charges.
