Imran Khan Transferred to Hospital for Medical Examination

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned, was taken to a private hospital in Islamabad after midnight on Thursday for medical treatment. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced the move, following a Supreme Court order earlier in the week. The party did not provide additional information regarding his condition.

The issue arose hours after a senior Cabinet minister indicated the government might allow medical treatment abroad if sufficient care could not be provided at a government facility. The minister, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said that while arrangements were made to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital, the government sought clarification from the Supreme Court on whether this relief should extend beyond Khan to other prisoners.

The Supreme Court had mandated Khan’s examination at the hospital due to growing concerns from his family and doctors about his health. A medical board, including specialists and one of Khan’s personal physicians, Faisal Sultan, was set to assess his condition.

As of Thursday morning, local media reported that Khan was under examination at the hospital. His health became a public concern in late January when his family claimed he had lost a significant portion of his vision in his right eye, a point contested by the government, which later claimed his vision had substantially improved.

Khan, a former cricket star turned politician, was ousted from power in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. He has been imprisoned since 2023 following convictions in several cases.

The government states that prisoners typically receive medical treatment within prison facilities and can be moved to government hospitals if necessary.