Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from jail to a private hospital in Islamabad [1], [2].
The ruling comes amid growing concerns over the health of the opposition leader, whose continued detention remains a flashpoint for political instability in the country.
The court mandated that the transfer must occur within 48 hours of the order [1]. Khan, who is 73 years old [1], is currently held in a jail in Lahore [3], [4]. The court specified that he be moved to a private facility in Islamabad, where a specialist medical panel will oversee his treatment [1], [5].
Lawyers and family members for the former prime minister raised the alarm regarding his deteriorating condition. Specifically, they cited concerns about vision loss as a primary reason for the urgent request for medical intervention [3], [6].
Under the terms of the court order, family visits to the hospital will be permitted [5]. This provides a rare opening for Khan to meet with relatives while remaining under state custody.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 [1]. His tenure in jail has been marked by numerous legal battles and protests from his supporters, who argue that his detention is politically motivated.
The Supreme Court's decision on 18 August 2026 [2] underscores the judiciary's role in mediating the health and safety of high-profile political prisoners. The move to a private hospital in the capital city is expected to provide a higher standard of care than that available within the prison system.
“The court mandated that the transfer must occur within 48 hours of the order.”
This judicial intervention highlights the precarious balance between Pakistan's legal system and its political executive. By mandating a transfer to a private hospital with a specialist panel, the Supreme Court is attempting to mitigate the risk of a health crisis that could further inflame an already volatile political climate. The allowance of family visits also suggests a slight easing of the strict isolation Khan has faced since his 2023 imprisonment.
