Imran Khan’s Party Moves Pak’s Top Court, Seeks Shift Him to Private Hospital

Islamabad: Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s party approached the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking his transfer from prison to a private hospital for eye treatment. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed the petition following the court-ordered health assessment report prepared by lawyer Salman Safdar earlier this month.

This development came a day after Khan was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad for treatment of his eye condition, even as his party demanded “transparency, not secrecy” about updates on his health condition.

The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, lodged in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi since 2023, was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) last month, which affected his vision.

“The petitioner should be immediately transferred to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, for proper treatment of his eyes by a retina specialist,” the petition filed by PTI lawyer and leader Latif Khosa said. It was said.

He also allowed the family to stay there during Han’s medical examinations and treatment, while also requesting that their personal doctors reach out to Khan.

The petition stated that 73-year-old Khan’s health condition was deteriorating and that his condition was a serious concern for both his family and the public.

He also added that he had repeatedly requested access to his personal doctors for independent examination and treatment of his worsening eye condition.

The petitioner also stated that Khan’s legal counsel would be provided with certified copies of all medical reports and examinations and that his lawyer would be given regular access to consult with him on legal matters.

On Tuesday, Khan was taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for his second dose of anti-VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) intravitreal injection. He was later sent back to Adiala Jail. He received treatment on January 24.

PIMS is a leading public hospital; Rawalpindi-based Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital is managed by a private foundation.

Soon after, Khan’s family and PTI demanded “transparency, not secrecy” in his treatment and reiterated their calls for him to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital.

Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and is currently serving his sentence in Adiala Prison in the Al-Qadir Foundation corruption case and faces ongoing cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the protests on May 9, 2023.