Pakistan‘s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved to hospital for medical checks after his lawyers filed a petition citing poor health.

The top court said the 73-year-old would be transferred to Shifa International hospital in the capital, Islamabad, within two days.

The cricketer-turned-politician was jailed in 2023 after being convicted on a string of charges that he claims were politically motivated.

Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his family have repeatedly raised fears about his health in prison. His lawyers have also stated that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye.

Khan ally welcomes decision

Tuesday’s order came after a medical team examined Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail last week, where it recorded high blood pressure, palpitations and anxiety.

“It’s a very welcome order and we wish it had happened sooner so his eye and general health would not have deteriorated this much,” Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a close Khan aide, said in a statement.

“He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied,” he added.

Khan’s spokesperson said he was expected to remain in hospital until September 16.

Why is Khan in jail?

Khan was Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Following his ouster in a no-confidence vote, he was convicted on a number of charges including allegations of an unlawful marriage and corruption. He was sentenced late last year, along with his wife, to 17 years in prison for graft.

Both deny wrongdoing.

PTI still enjoys significant support across key provinces in Pakistan, and Khan himself remains a popular figure. His arrest in early 2023 triggered nationwide protests that resulted in hundreds of people being arrested. 

Earlier this year, cricket greats from around the world appealed to the Pakistani government for Khan to receive proper medical treatment in prison, calling in a letter for ’decency and justice’.

DW