Pakistan's top court orders hospital transfer for jailed ex-PM Imran Khan

Pakistan's Supreme Court issued an order Thursday directing the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital for a 30-day period, responding to growing concerns about his health conditions during incarceration.

The court's decision followed submissions regarding Khan's elevated blood pressure while in custody. The order marks an intervention in the longstanding dispute between Khan's legal team and authorities over the opposition leader's medical access and detention conditions.

Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has remained a polarizing political figure in Pakistan since his ouster. He faces multiple legal cases, though he and his political party, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, have disputed the charges as politically motivated.

The hospital transfer represents a partial concession to Khan's supporters, who have maintained that his health has deteriorated significantly during his time in jail. His legal representatives have repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate medical facilities and restricted access to healthcare within the detention facility.