Islamabad, August 18: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the hospitalization of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, for proper medical treatment. The ruling was issued on Tuesday. Under this decision, Khan will be admitted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a comprehensive medical evaluation in the coming days.
The three-member bench, led by Justice Shahid Waheed, delivered this order while hearing multiple petitions requesting Khan’s hospitalization and family visitation rights.
According to a report by the prominent Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Waheed stated, “In light of fundamental rights, we are issuing this order to ensure the health and safety of the prisoner.”
The court emphasized that this order is based on Khan’s health, his right to life, and access to medical services as guaranteed by the constitution. Authorities were also instructed to arrange weekly meetings between Khan and his family members, and a medical board was to be established, including his personal physician and his sister, Uzma Khan.
This decision followed a report submitted by the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding Khan’s health, as he has been imprisoned there since August 2023.
Citing an annexure, Dawn reported that Dr. Akhtar Ali Bandeshah from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) examined Khan on August 1 and noted complaints of uncontrolled blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, and anxiety.
According to the report, Khan has allegedly attributed his symptoms and stress to his wife, family, and dwindling social interactions. He claimed that he has also been denied access to newspapers and television.
The doctor recommended effective measures to alleviate Khan’s mental stress, including allowing him more visits with his wife and providing reading materials. He also advised a CT coronary angiography and an increase in his blood pressure medication, warning that the 74-year-old PTI leader’s condition could worsen.
In May, Khan approached the Supreme Court, requesting a transfer to Shifa International Hospital and permission to meet with his personal doctors, family members, and legal advisors, as well as to share his medical condition report with his family.
Last month, UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards expressed concern over Khan’s situation, condemning the inhumane treatment and lack of proper medical care.
She appealed to the Pakistani government to allow the former PM to choose his medical tests and treatments on humanitarian grounds.
Edwards wrote in a LinkedIn post, “Former PM Imran Khan has been kept almost entirely alone for 33 months. In a small, windowless cell under 24/7 CCTV. Often spending two weeks without exercise or human contact. This violates the Mandela Rules.”
She added, “I am also concerned about reports that he is not receiving adequate medical care and is suffering from serious physical ailments that have not been properly treated. Injuries from a 2013 accident and a gunshot wound from an assassination attempt in November 2022 have worsened. I urge Pakistan to allow him medical examinations and proper treatment for the sake of humanity.”
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