The Supreme Court has directed the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Al-Shifa International Hospital for treatment, bringing his health – and the conditions of his prolonged imprisonment – back into the national spotlight.

The three-member bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, also directed the government to arrange weekly meetings of Khan with his family, access to his personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan and telephone conversations with his children.

Orders came after medical reports flagged Khan’s fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness and anxiety. In addition to walking and relaxation, a medical board that examined him on August 10 had recommended more frequent interaction with his immediate family and wife as measures to help control his blood pressure and mental stress.

The Supreme Court also ordered the formation of a medical board that will include an eye specialist, a general physician and Dr Faisal Sultan. Khan's sister, Dr Uzma, was allowed to visit him, while his family was told to pay for his hospital treatment.

The court’s intervention comes amid growing questions about Khan’s medical condition and the adequacy of healthcare available to him in jail. His lawyers have asked to see his personal doctors and have demanded an independent medical board to evaluate his condition.

The court directed to provide the full medical record of Khan instead of summary during the hearing and asked about the non-implementation of directions of Islamabad High Court on meeting with his family. The Adiala Jail authorities have been asked to explain the situation in the next hearing.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also cautioned against politicizing Khan’s illness as the court ordered that his medical reports be kept confidential and not be made public for political purposes.

The government said it had not been notified and opposed an immediate transfer to the hospital. But the Supreme Court went ahead with its directions and pointed out that access to medical facilities was a fundamental right.

The court also sought details of Khan’s legal status, including his convictions, pending cases and suspended sentences and adjourned the hearing until September 16.

The decision represents a substantial judicial intervention into the former premier's medical treatment for PTI. It adds another level of scrutiny for the government over how Khan’s health and family access are being managed during his imprisonment.

With Khan’s hospital treatment, family meetings and medical records now subject to direct judicial oversight, his health and prison conditions are likely to remain firmly in the spotlight in the coming weeks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)