Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved from Adiala Jail to a hospital in Islamabad early Friday for medical evaluation, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said, following a Supreme Court order directing authorities to provide him specialised medical care.
Khan, 73, was transferred to Shifa International Hospital, PTI said in a message to journalists. The move comes after months of concerns from his family and supporters over his deteriorating health and could mark a potential easing of tensions between his party and Pakistan’s powerful military establishment.
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“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following Supreme Court order,” PTI said.
SUPREME COURT ORDERS MEDICAL TREATMENT
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and allow him to be examined by a medical panel that includes his personal physician.
The court directed that Khan remain at the hospital until the next hearing on September 16.
The government initially agreed to implement the order but later approached the Supreme Court seeking a review and recall of the directive.
Khan’s lawyers have alleged that his health has worsened during his imprisonment and that he has suffered substantial loss of vision in his right eye. The government, however, has maintained that medical reports did not indicate any condition requiring immediate hospitalisation.
EYE CONDITION RAISES CONCERN
Khan’s health concerns intensified after he was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in late January. He has since been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad several times for treatment.
His family and PTI colleagues have repeatedly demanded that he be shifted to a private hospital, while also alleging restrictions on his access to medical care, family members and lawyers.
The former cricketer-turned-politician has been imprisoned since August 2023 and maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated. Pakistan’s government has rejected the allegation.
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari told Reuters on Wednesday that the Supreme Court ruling offered a “new ray of hope”, but said the party would continue with plans for a nationwide march on September 27. The protest is expected to seek Khan’s access to supporters, faster hearings in his cases and his release.
KHAN’S LEGAL AND POLITICAL BATTLE
Khan became prime minister in 2018 but was removed from office four years later after losing a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
His ouster was followed by a prolonged confrontation between his PTI movement and the country’s military establishment. The party faced sweeping restrictions ahead of the 2024 general election and was effectively prevented from contesting under its traditional electoral symbol.
Khan was first arrested on May 9, 2023, triggering widespread protests and violence across Pakistan. He was arrested again on August 5 that year in corruption cases, including the Toshakhana case involving the alleged illegal sale of state gifts.
He has remained behind bars since then as he continues to challenge multiple convictions and cases against him.
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With inputs from Reuters
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
