"Move Imran Khan to hospital" — Pakistan Supreme Court's new order for ex-Pakistan captain

Pakistan’s Supreme Court, on August 18, has directed the government to move their former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, to a hospital, after a longstanding demand from his side and the family due to growing concerns over the health of the former ODI World Cup-winning captain of the country.

The 73-year-old has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted in many cases that he had described as politically motivated, along with his supporters. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the court order, stating that they expected the order to come a bit earlier. 

What the order says: Imran Khan to stay at Shifa Hospital until his September 16 hearing

The order has come amidst the renewed concerns over Khan’s health both mentally and physically. His sons, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, have raised concerns about his access to the family, lawyers, and doctors.

“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. He should remain in hospital until all the doctors are satisfied.” The PTI spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, said.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi noted that Khan’s medical reports were alarming as he cited concerns over the anxiety, palpitations, and the high blood pressure.

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“Imran Khan’s medical reports are alarming. I have gone through them with several specialists, and I am writing this in plain language so every Pakistani can understand exactly what is happening.” Alvi said during the interaction.

“I am deeply worried. Isolation is taking a physical toll on his body. If this is not addressed immediately, the damage may become irreversible, with more complications to follow.” She added.

Why is Imran Khan in jail? Inside the cases that have kept him behind bars since 2023

Imran Khan has been detained since August 2023 because he was convicted in multiple corruption and legal cases, including the mishandling of state gifts and the unlawful marriage charges. He and his party maintain that all the charges are politically motivated to keep him out of office.

The former Pakistan leader was outlasted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and claims that his imprisonment is a part of the deliberate plot by his political rivals and the military establishment. His arrests sparked protests and subsequent crackdowns on his party members by authorities.

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He has been sentenced alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a major corruption proceeding. His arrests sparked protests and crackdowns on his party members by the authorities.