Pakistani authorities on Wednesday petitioned the Supreme Court to review or withdraw an order permitting imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to undergo a medical examination at a private hospital of his choice.
The challenge follows a Tuesday court directive to take Khan to Shifa International Hospital for evaluation by a medical board including his personal physician. Islamabad’s chief commissioner argued the order was issued without prior notice and described it as "discriminatory," warning it could disrupt the justice system and "open a floodgate" for other inmates seeking treatment outside prison rules.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated the government remains committed to providing medical care at state facilities according to prison regulations, emphasizing that health issues must stay separate from politics. Khan has previously been treated at government hospitals for an eye condition.
Concerns regarding the former premier's health intensified after his family alleged 85% vision loss in his right eye, though authorities claim he has since regained 70% vision. Khan, removed in 2022 and imprisoned since 2023, continues to draw repeated, occasionally violent, protests from supporters demanding his release.