Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment – BBC News

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Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Image source:
Reuters

Image caption:
Imran Khan has been jailed since 2023

By Olivia Ireland

Published 1 hour ago

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken to a hospital in Islamabad, the capital, for medical treatment following concerns about his health.

Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges, was transported from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital under tight security, according to local media reports.

This move followed a ruling by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, which ordered Khan be taken to the hospital within 48 hours for examination by physicians.

The 73-year-old’s lawyers have claimed he suffers from various health issues, including poor eyesight, and has not had access to specialist medical care while in prison.

In February, Khan’s lawyer stated his client had only 15% vision remaining in his right eye due to prison authorities’ failure to address his medical needs, an allegation the government denied.

In the court order, the judges wrote, "We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation… to safeguard the life, health, dignity, and security of the prisoner."

The judges and members of Khan’s political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, warned supporters not to gather outside the hospital, emphasizing that doing so would be a breach of the court order.

Khan, who formerly captained the Pakistan national cricket team, served as the country’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022. He faces over 100 cases, ranging from leaking state secrets to selling state gifts, all of which he claims are politically motivated.

Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was also sentenced to 17 years in prison late last year, alongside him.

His jailing sparked widespread protests from supporters, met with a crackdown by authorities. Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a significant political figure with a dedicated following.

Related topics

  • Imran Khan

  • Pakistan

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