Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan to be moved to hospital from prison

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities to move jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment.

This comes a day after Adiala Jail authorities, where Khan is imprisoned, told the Supreme Court that Khan’s eyesight had improved significantly and was now “almost normal” following treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

However, medical records submitted to the court also showed that Khan had complained of palpitations, headaches, restlessness and anxiety, with doctors recommending more frequent contact with his wife and family to help manage his anxiety and blood pressure.

Khan will be shifted to Shifa International, a leading private hospital in Islamabad.

Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari, a close aide and adviser to Khan, said in a statement: “The Supreme Court has rightly ordered for Imran Khan to be moved to Shifa International. 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 added: “He should remain in hospital until all doctors are satisfied.”

Khan, 73, has remained in custody since 5 August 2023 after previously being arrested during nationwide unrest in May that year.

The former cricket star was removed as prime minister in April 2022 following a parliamentary vote of no-confidence.

Although he has been acquitted in several cases, including those relating to official secrets and his marriage to Bushra Bibi, Khan is serving a 14-year prison sentence in a corruption case, while he and his wife were also sentenced in December 2025 in a separate case involving state gifts.

Both convictions are under appeal, and Khan has denied wrongdoing. His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, insists the cases are politically motivated.

 -Independent