Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a private hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination.
The order comes amid growing concerns regarding the health of the 73-year-old former leader [1]. The move highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the government over the treatment of political prisoners in Pakistan.
Authorities said serious health issues were the primary reason for the transfer. Specifically, reports indicate that Khan has suffered an 85% loss of vision in his right eye, leaving only 15% of his sight remaining in that eye [2]. The court directed that he be moved from Adyala jail to a private facility in the capital city to undergo a thorough assessment.
However, the transfer has become a point of contention between the state and the court. The government filed a review of the order, arguing that Khan should be examined at a public hospital rather than a private one [3]. This disagreement follows a period of intense legal scrutiny for Khan and his wife, both of whom received sentences of 17 years in prison [1].
The Supreme Court's decision to mandate a private facility suggests a lack of confidence in the state's ability or willingness to provide adequate care within the public system. The move is expected to be closely monitored by supporters and international observers given the high-profile nature of Khan's incarceration.
While the government continues to challenge the specifics of the venue, the medical necessity of the examination remains the central driver of the legal proceedings. The court's order aims to ensure that the former prime minister receives specialized care for his vision loss, and other health concerns, while serving his sentence.
“Khan has suffered an 85% loss of vision in his right eye”
This legal battle over the venue of Imran Khan's medical care reflects the broader struggle for power between Pakistan's judiciary and its executive branch. By ordering a transfer to a private hospital, the Supreme Court is asserting its oversight over the state's treatment of political detainees, while the government's push for a public facility suggests a desire to maintain tighter control over the former prime minister's environment and security.
