NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred to a hospital in Islamabad for medical examination following concerns over his deteriorating health. A three-judge panel directed authorities to move the 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours.

The court said Khan should be examined by specialist doctors and that an eye specialist should also be involved in his treatment. The ruling came after Khan’s lawyers raised concerns about his health, including problems with his eyesight and limited access to specialist medical care while in prison.

In its order, the Supreme Court stressed the government’s responsibility to protect the life, health, dignity and security of prisoners. The judges also granted Khan permission to meet his family members once a week and to speak with his sons by telephone.

Khan’s legal team has repeatedly claimed that his health has deteriorated during his imprisonment. His lawyers previously alleged that he had suffered severe vision problems in his right eye and had been unable to receive timely specialist treatment. Pakistani authorities have disputed some of the allegations concerning his medical condition.

Reacting to the Supreme Court ruling, Zulfikar Bukhari, an adviser to Khan, welcomed the decision but said it should have come earlier to prevent further deterioration of Khan’s eyesight and overall health.

The court and members of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have also urged supporters not to gather outside the hospital during his transfer. Authorities have warned that such a gathering would violate the court’s order.

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces more than 100 legal cases, including allegations involving corruption, state secrets and the handling of state gifts. Khan has consistently rejected the charges and maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated.

Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when his government was removed following a parliamentary no-confidence vote. His imprisonment has continued to fuel political tensions in Pakistan, while his PTI party retains significant support among the public.

The former Pakistan cricket captain remains an influential political figure despite his imprisonment. His supporters have repeatedly called for his release, while the authorities have maintained legal proceedings against him and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

The Supreme Court’s latest order could provide Khan with access to specialist medical treatment while also allowing greater contact with his family. The development is likely to draw further attention to his health and the broader political dispute surrounding his imprisonment.