Supreme Court orders Imran Khan moved to hospital from jail

In a 7‑hour‑old decision, the Pakistan Supreme Court instructed that former prime minister Imran Khan—who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges—be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for a medical examination.

Khan’s lawyers cited a range of health problems, including poor eyesight and the inability to receive specialist care in jail. An eye specialist is to be included in his treatment plan at the hospital.

The court allowed weekly visits from family members and telephone calls to his sons, emphasising the prison’s duty to safeguard the inmate’s life, health and dignity.

The ruling came after protests by Khan’s supporters, which were met by a crackdown, and after his wife Bushra Bibi led large demonstrations in an attempt to secure his release.

The former cricketer, who led the national team before serving as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, remains a key voice in opposition politics despite his 17‑year sentence.

The Supreme Court's decision is being closely watched by political observers, who see it as a critical moment in the country's struggle over law and power.