The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital.
The court directed that Khan undergo a comprehensive medical examination at the hospital amid concerns about his health.
The order was issued during a hearing on a petition concerning Khan’s medical condition and reported symptoms of severe anxiety.
The court directed authorities to transfer Khan under strict security arrangements and warned against turning the matter into a political issue.
The Supreme Court also ordered the formation of a medical board to conduct a detailed assessment of Khan’s health.
Authorities were directed to submit Khan’s complete medical record to the court for review.
The court also instructed PTI to ensure that no rallies, processions or protests are held outside the hospital during Khan’s treatment.
Justice Shahid Waheed expressed concern that Khan’s medical reports could potentially be used for political purposes.
PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja assured the court that the party would not use the medical reports for political activities.
The court also sought details of all cases registered against Khan and ordered the superintendent of Adiala Jail to appear at the next hearing.
The development comes after a medical report submitted by Adiala Jail authorities revealed that Khan had been experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety.
According to the report, Khan’s blood pressure was recorded at 140/80 mmHg, while his pulse was 54 beats per minute.
His chest examination and ECG were reportedly normal. The structure of his heart chambers and valves was also described as normal.
However, the report recorded his anxiety level at 3+. Some experts cited in the report suggested that the symptoms could also be associated with anger.
Khan reportedly complained of a heavy feeling in his head and a sensation of his heart beating.
He did not reportedly complain of chest pain, chest heaviness or shortness of breath during the assessment.
The court also heard arguments regarding access to Khan by his sister, Uzma Khan.
Her lawyer, Uzair Bhandari, argued that Uzma Khan is a doctor and should be allowed to meet her brother.
He also claimed that Khan had been kept in solitary confinement for an extended period and that his sisters had not been allowed to meet him.
The lawyer requested a comprehensive medical examination at Shifa International, noting that Khan had previously been taken to PIMS Hospital for treatment.
The court questioned who would bear the cost of treatment at the private hospital.
It was informed that Khan’s sister would personally bear the expenses associated with his treatment.
The latest order places Khan’s health under direct judicial scrutiny while seeking to keep the medical issue separate from PTI’s political activities.
The court has directed authorities to provide his complete medical history and current reports as part of the formal medical assessment.
Khan has remained incarcerated at Adiala Jail for an extended period, while his medical treatment and access to family members have remained part of the wider legal dispute.
PTI has repeatedly called for better medical examinations and family access for its founder.
The latest Supreme Court order now places Khan’s medical condition under a detailed assessment, with his transfer to Shifa International ordered under tight security.
