Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a private hospital for medical treatment.
The ruling resolves a prolonged legal battle over the medical access of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder while in custody. It signals a judicial intervention in the government's management of a high-profile political prisoner.
The court ordered that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours [2]. This decision came after reports of the former prime minister's deteriorating health led to formal complaints regarding his care in prison [1].
Government officials raised objections to the transfer, but the court rejected those arguments. "The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to a hospital for medical treatment," the court said [3].
Under the terms of the order, Khan is scheduled to remain at Shifa International Hospital until Sept. 16, 2024 [3]. The move follows a period of incarceration that began in August 2023 [1].
The court's directive mandates that the transfer be completed promptly to ensure the former prime minister receives necessary medical examinations. This order allows for family visits during his stay at the facility [4].
While some reports suggest a hearing on the transfer occurred as late as July 2026, the primary court orders were issued on July 30, 2024 [1, 2].
“The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate transfer of Imran Khan to a hospital for medical treatment.”
The court's decision to override government objections highlights the ongoing tension between Pakistan's judiciary and the state regarding the treatment of political detainees. By mandating a transfer to a private facility rather than a state-run hospital, the court is providing a level of medical transparency and independence that the government had previously resisted.
