The court directed authorities to ensure Khan receives an independent medical assessment, as concerns grow over his health during his imprisonment
Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities to arrange a medical examination of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan amid growing concerns over his health.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi issued the direction after hearing a petition concerning Khan’s treatment and medical condition. The court asked that the former prime minister be examined by a panel of doctors and that the findings be submitted to the court.
The order comes as Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023, continues to face multiple legal cases. His supporters have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and demanded that he receive appropriate medical treatment.
Court seeks independent medical assessment
The Supreme Court’s intervention follows concerns raised about Khan’s condition while he remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The court directed the authorities to arrange a medical evaluation and submit a detailed report. The order is aimed at determining Khan’s current health status and whether he requires treatment outside the prison.
The development could put additional pressure on Pakistan’s government and prison authorities, which have faced repeated demands from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for greater access to independent doctors.
Imran Khan remains in jail
Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Although some convictions have subsequently been suspended or overturned, he continues to face other cases that have kept him in custody.
The former premier’s imprisonment has become a major political flashpoint in Pakistan, with PTI leaders and supporters repeatedly accusing the government of using legal cases to keep Khan away from politics. Pakistani authorities have rejected such allegations.
Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been imprisoned in connection with corruption cases, adding to the political tensions surrounding the former prime minister and his party.
Health concerns add to political pressure
The Supreme Court’s direction comes at a time when PTI has been demanding better medical facilities for its founder. The party has previously alleged that restrictions on access to doctors and family members have made it difficult to independently assess Khan’s health.
The court’s order for a medical examination could therefore become an important development in the ongoing dispute over the treatment of Pakistan’s most prominent jailed opposition leader.
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