Imran Khan taken to private hospital as health condition deteriorates further

Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister and 1992 World Cup-winning skipper, has been moved back to prison after a visit to a private hospital on the orders of Pakistan's Supreme Court, amid reports of deteriorating health on Friday.

The Supreme Court's verdict came after Imran's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had filed a petition seeking his treatment due to health concerns. The 73-year-old was taken from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in the early hours of Friday and brought back hours later amid high security protocols.

"Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following a Supreme Court order," the PTI confirmed in a statement.

This is not the first time Imran has had to visit a hospital after being imprisoned. He was taken to a state-run PIMS hospital in Islamabad earlier in the year for multiple visits after his party claimed that he had 15 per cent vision in his right eye due to a medical condition which was left untreated.

Imran has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023, serving several prison sentences on corruption charges. In February this year, 14 former international captains ( Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Michael Brearley, David Gower, Steve Waugh, John Wright, Kim Hughes and Belinda Clark) came together to write an open letter to Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, requesting that he be treated with dignity.

"Recent reports concerning his health - particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody - and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern," the letter read.

"Imran Khan's contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory - a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders.

"Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike.

"We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues, humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, including regular visits by close family members, and fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance."