PAKISTAN SUPREME COURT ORDERS KHAN HOSPITAL TRANSFER

Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. Justice Shahid Waheed issued the order following a petition by Khan's lawyers regarding his health. The 73-year-old is to be moved within two days and remain hospitalised at least until a hearing scheduled for 16 September. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges that he and his party contend are politically motivated.

A cardiac board reviewed Khan on 10 August, according to a report submitted by Adiala prison's superintendent, and recorded fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety linked to restricted contact with his family. During Tuesday's hearing, the court noted that Khan's pulse and heart condition were abnormal and that his vital organs "had started being affected". The court also ordered that a medical board be formed to oversee Khan's treatment, to include his sister Dr Uzma Khan and personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan. Khan's family will be permitted to meet him at the hospital, and he will be allowed to speak with his sons who live abroad.

Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment late last year. Salman Akram Raja, secretary general of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, described the court's decision as "a major step" and "a great blessing". Khan received eye treatment earlier this year, with his family and legal representatives stating at the time that he had lost most vision in his right eye.