Imran Khan Shifa Hospital Treatment Case: SC Hearing Today
Pakistan’s Supreme Court is set to hear multiple petitions concerning the medical treatment, hospital transfer and visitation rights of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, with his health again becoming a key issue ahead of the proceedings.
The cases relate to demands for Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, access to his personal physicians and family members, and implementation of earlier court directions regarding meetings with him.
The Supreme Court had fixed five petitions concerning access to the PTI founder for hearing on August 18 before a three-member bench.
Imran Khan’s health concerns
The hearing comes after a recent medical report submitted by the Adiala Jail superintendent raised fresh concerns about Khan’s health.
According to reports, the jail medical report noted elevated blood pressure and recommended increased family interaction to help reduce anxiety and related health concerns. A medical board examined Khan on August 10, with his pulse recorded at 54 beats per minute, while his ECG and heart structure were reported as normal.
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The report also said Khan’s vision had improved to “almost normal” following treatment for his eye condition by ophthalmologists in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Jail authorities said he had received medical attention from government doctors and that records of specialist examinations had been maintained.
However, the latest findings have not ended the dispute over his medical care.
PTI demands hospital treatment
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded that Khan be transferred to a properly equipped hospital and treated under the supervision of doctors chosen by him and his family.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party remained concerned about the former premier’s health and wanted his family, personal physicians and lawyers to be allowed to meet him.
Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons raise fresh concerns over his health
The party has repeatedly sought treatment at Shifa International Hospital, arguing that Khan should receive a comprehensive medical assessment and specialist care there.
The government, however, has rejected allegations that Khan is being denied appropriate medical treatment. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the former premier was receiving the best available medical assistance while in custody.
Legal battle over doctors and family meetings
The dispute over access to Imran Khan has been before the courts for months.
In May, Khan himself approached the Supreme Court seeking permission for a medical examination by doctors of his choice, transfer to Shifa International Hospital and continued access to his physicians, family members and legal team. His petition also sought access to medical records, including eye examinations and diagnostic reports.
Also Read: Imran Khan receives eight books in Adiala Jail after IHC order
His sister, Dr Uzma Khan, had earlier challenged an Islamabad High Court decision refusing the requested hospital transfer and access arrangements.
In July, the Supreme Court also directed the Adiala Jail administration to provide details of meetings between Khan and his family members, lawyers and other visitors during his imprisonment.
What is at stake today?
Today’s hearing could provide greater clarity on whether Khan can receive treatment at the hospital requested by his family and personal doctors and how regularly his relatives and lawyers can meet him.
The proceedings also come amid renewed political debate over his health and prison conditions. The Supreme Court’s decision may therefore have consequences beyond the immediate medical issue, particularly for Khan’s access to legal representation, family support and healthcare while he remains incarcerated.
