Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred to a hospital in Islamabad early on Friday following a ruling by the country's Supreme Court, his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said.
Hundreds of police officers, some carrying batons, were deployed around Shifa International Hospital as security forces blocked roads leading to the private clinic.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesman Zulfi Bukhari confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the 73-year-old former prime minister had arrived at the facility, stating that the Supreme Court order had been complied with.
Former Pakistani President Arif Alvi, a senior party official, also confirmed the movement in a post on social media platform X, expressing satisfaction with the development.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the hospital to show their backing for Khan, with some throwing red flower petals at passing vehicles.
Court order and medical care
Lawyers representing Khan had appealed to the Supreme Court after arguing that his health condition had deteriorated in prison and that medical examinations were urgently required.
The Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday that Khan be transferred to a hospital within two days. The court ruling also specified that Khan will be allowed to meet with his family once a week and communicate by telephone with his sons twice a week.
Under the court decision, a dedicated team of medical experts will be formed to oversee his care. His sister, Uzma Khan, who is a doctor, will be permitted to participate in the medical panel.
The hospitalization comes amid heightened concerns regarding Khan's health, as he has been detained since 2023. Earlier this year, the former prime minister received eye treatment at a hospital after family members reported that he had lost a large part of the vision in his right eye.
Imprisonment and political background
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced late last year to 17 years in prison on charges of corruption and other offenses. Khan has repeatedly denied the charges, maintaining that his prosecution is politically motivated.
His initial arrest in May 2023 triggered widespread protests across Pakistan and led to violent clashes between his supporters and government authorities.
Khan served as Pakistan's prime minister from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed from power following a parliamentary vote of no confidence. His time in office was defined by strong confrontation between his administration and Pakistan's powerful military establishment.
