Kathmandu— Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad late Thursday, escorted by police and security forces. The move fulfills a demand made for months by Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have expressed concerns about his health while incarcerated. The transfer was ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, with the government filing a petition against the decision; Khan is 73 years old and has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions in several cases he claims are politically motivated.

Supreme Court Order and Government Response

The Supreme Court issued its order on Tuesday, directing that Khan be transferred to a hospital within two days. The Pakistani government subsequently filed a petition challenging the court’s directive. Preparations for the transfer were completed by authorities earlier Thursday, according to Geo News reports.

Health Concerns and Medical Examination

Khan's party and family have consistently voiced concerns about his health while in custody. As part of the Supreme Court order, Khan is to be examined by a medical board that will include his personal physician. This examination aims to address the long-standing worries regarding his well-being.

Imprisonment and Upcoming Hearing

Khan was imprisoned in August 2023 after being convicted on multiple corruption charges, which he and PTI maintain are politically motivated. His next court hearing is scheduled for September 16th, and the Supreme Court order stipulates that he should remain hospitalized until at least that date. This will mark the longest period Khan has been outside of jail since his imprisonment.

PTI shared a live broadcast of preparations for the transfer but has not yet released an official statement; similarly, the Pakistani government has yet to comment on the move.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.