Islamabad. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and former cricket captain Imran Khan has been admitted to a private hospital in Islamabad amid deteriorating health. Following the order of the Supreme Court, he was taken from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital under tight security. Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been expressing concern about his health condition for a long time. Hearing the party's petition, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court had directed the government to take him to a private hospital for examination and treatment.
Taken to hospital after Supreme Court order
A bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed had directed the government to take Imran Khan to the hospital for treatment. After this, he was brought from Adiala jail to Islamabad in the early hours of Friday under tight security. PTI issued a statement saying that following the order of the Supreme Court, the former Prime Minister has been admitted to Shifa International Hospital. However, it is not yet clear for how long 73-year-old Imran Khan will be kept in the hospital.
Government expressed objection to the order
The Government of Pakistan had demanded reconsideration of the Supreme Court order. However, the Supreme Court Registrar's Office returned the government's petition citing incomplete documents. The government argues that allowing Imran Khan to be treated in a private hospital of his choice would be discriminatory. According to Pakistani media, the government can appeal against the registrar's objections and also file a new petition with some amendments.
Concern was also expressed regarding eye disease
PTI and Imran Khan's lawyers have been expressing concern about his health since February this year. The party had claimed that after a disease developed in his right eye, his vision had become very weak and he could not get timely treatment. After this, he was taken to the government PIMS hospital in Islamabad several times, but each time his stay in the hospital was only for some time.
14 former cricket captains wrote an open letter
Earlier this year, 14 former international cricket captains had also written an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif regarding the health condition of Imran Khan. In this, expressing concern about the health of Imran Khan, an appeal was made to treat him with respect and basic human sensibilities. Former cricketers like Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were also among those who signed this letter.
Imran Khan is in jail since August 2023
Imran Khan is lodged in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail since August 2023. He is serving different sentences in many cases including corruption. However, Imran Khan and his party have been continuously rejecting these allegations. At present, everyone is keeping an eye on his health and treatment after his hospitalization.