Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, August 18, ordered authorities to move jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for a medical check-up. The court also ordered access to his personal doctor, family visits, and phone calls with his two sons. Key HighlightsThe Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to a private hospital.Pakistan’s government has challenged the court order.Khan’s health and vision have raised concern among his family and party.The court also ordered regular contact with his sons in London.What Did the Supreme Court Decide?The Pakistan Supreme Court Imran Khan case is linked to concerns about Khan’s health while he is in prison. The court said he should be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination.“The court also said a medical team, including his personal doctor, should check his health. It ordered authorities to allow weekly family visits and two phone calls each week with his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim.,”Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the decision. His family has also asked for better medical care and more contact with him.Why Is Pakistan Challenging the Order?Pakistan’s government filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to review or withdraw the order. The government says it is not against giving Khan medical care. Its main concern is the order to send a prisoner to a private hospital.Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the decision did not fit within the law. The government also warned that the order could create a new example for other prisoners seeking similar treatment. “This order is not within four walls of the law,” Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said.The government argues that prison rules should be followed before a prisoner is moved to a private hospital. It says a medical board should first decide what treatment is needed. Who Is Imran Khan and What Happened?Imran Khan is a former Pakistan Prime Minister and a famous former cricketer. He led Pakistan to its 1992 Cricket World Cup win. He became Prime Minister in 2018 but lost power in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote.Khan has been in jail since August 2023. He faces many legal cases and has received convictions in some cases. He denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically driven. His family and PTI have raised concerns about his health, including reported problems with vision in his right eye. His sons have also asked for medical care and family access. The Imran Khan hospitalisation issue is now both a health and legal matter. The Supreme Court must decide what happens next after the government’s challenge.Also Read : Pakistan Kashmir Elections: Can Ballots Overcome Violence?
