Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has been transferred to a hospital in Islamabad for medical examination. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The move fulfills a longstanding demand by supporters who say his health has deteriorated during more than three years in prison.
The move followed a supreme court order this week and is seen as a potential first step toward easing tensions between Khan's party and Pakistan's powerful military establishment, which have been at odds since his removal from office in 2022.
"Former prime minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala jail to Shifa international hospital in Islamabad following [the] supreme court order," Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said in a text message to journalists.
His lawyers say his health has deteriorated in prison and that he has lost significant vision in his right eye. The government has said medical reports disclosed no condition requiring immediate treatment.
Pakistan's supreme court on Tuesday ordered authorities to transfer Khan, 73, to Shifa international hospital in the capital city within 48 hours and allow him access to a medical panel that includes his personal physician.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023. He says the cases against him are politically motivated, an accusation the government denies.
Circumstances of the transfer
The transfer of Imran Khan to the hospital is being assessed differently by his supporters and experts. Some experts believe this step could be an attempt to improve relations between the military-backed government and the opposition.
Khan's lawyers have expressed concern about his health, stating that he has not been receiving adequate medical care in prison. According to them, his vision in his right eye has significantly deteriorated.
The government had previously stated that medical examinations revealed nothing requiring immediate treatment. However, the Supreme Court's order indicates the need to address issues related to Khan's health.
Political context
Imran Khan was removed from power in 2022 after a no-confidence vote in parliament. Since then, relations between his party and the military elite have remained tense. Khan considers the cases against him politically motivated.
His supporters believe he is unjustly imprisoned and have been demanding his release. The transfer to the hospital is seen as a partial fulfillment of these demands.
Medical panel
According to the Supreme Court's order, Khan should be granted access to a medical panel that includes his personal physician. This will allow a full assessment of his health.
Khan's lawyers welcomed this decision and expressed hope that health issues will be addressed. They also expect an improvement in Khan's conditions.
Conclusion
The transfer of Imran Khan to the hospital could affect the political situation in Pakistan. This step may mark the beginning of a dialogue between the military government and the opposition. However, how this process will develop remains unclear.