Kathmandu— Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the transfer of Imran Khan, former prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, from Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital on Tuesday, accepting a request made by his party for months. The court directed the move be completed within two days after reviewing reports detailing Khan's fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety related to limited family contact. A medical board will oversee his treatment, including input from his sister and personal physician, and he will be allowed visits with his sons living abroad. This transfer marks the longest period Khan will spend outside jail since his imprisonment in August 2023 following convictions in cases he claims are politically motivated.

Health Concerns Prompt Court Action

The Supreme Court’s decision followed a report submitted by Adiala jail’s superintendent detailing an August 10 cardiac review of Khan, 73. The review noted fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety linked to restricted contact with his family. During Tuesday's hearing, justices questioned Pakistan’s advocate general regarding gaps in the report, stating that Khan’s “pulse and heart condition were not normal” and that his vital organs “had started being affected.”

The court had previously denied similar transfer requests twice since February, opting instead for medical board assessments.

PTI Welcomes Ruling

Zulfi Bukhari, a senior PTI leader, stated the ruling validated the party’s long-held belief that Khan required independent, specialized treatment outside of Adiala jail. “Medical care provided within the prison system is no substitute for a thorough evaluation by independent specialists of his choosing,” he said, adding that PTI had consistently requested Khan's transfer to Shifa International and access to his preferred doctors.

Government Maintains Medical Care Standards

Despite the court order, government officials have maintained that any transfer required judicial authorization. Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister, told the Senate on Monday that Khan was already receiving “the best available medical treatment” and that his condition did not support PTI’s expressed concerns.

Transfer Linked to Potential Dialogue

The court order comes amid a broader standoff over access to Khan, which PTI has increasingly presented as a prerequisite for resuming talks with the government. While the government has renewed efforts at dialogue, these have so far been unsuccessful. PTI leadership has announced a countrywide protest scheduled for September 27.

Khan is expected to remain hospitalized until at least the next hearing on September 16, allowing time for thorough medical evaluation and treatment.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.