Pakistan: Imran Khan transferred to hospital by order of the Supreme Court for medical tests

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is imprisoned, was transferred to a hospital for medical examinations by order of the Supreme Court, his party announced on Friday morning.

Zulfikar Bukhari, spokesperson for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP, “It has been confirmed that he has arrived at Shifa International Hospital. The Supreme Court’s order has been executed.”

Former Pakistani President and PTI member Arif Alvi also confirmed Khan’s transfer in a post on the X platform, adding that the entire country was “happy and dancing with joy.”

Dozens of his supporters gathered near the private hospital. Yunus Qureshi, 69, said he had come to show his support for “the man who has done so much for Pakistan.”

Another supporter, Bilal, 52, expressed hope that Khan, the former cricket star, would receive appropriate medical care. He added, “Our love and loyalty to Mr. Khan will remain.”

On Tuesday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer “within the next two days” to Shifa International Hospital in the capital, Islamabad, after his lawyers filed a petition with the court, asserting that his health had deteriorated and that he required medical examinations.

Khan underwent eye treatment earlier this year at a hospital, while his family and lawyers state that he has largely lost vision in his right eye.

Khan, 73, served as prime minister between 2018 and 2022. He has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges that he denies. His arrest in May 2023 triggered nationwide protests, which were marked by violence and the detention of hundreds.

Late last year, Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison.