A court in Islamabad has rejected a petition seeking the transfer of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital for medical treatment, directing instead that a medical board examine his health condition. The plea, filed by Khan’s legal team, requested that he be shifted from jail to a specialised private medical facility for treatment of an eye condition. His lawyers argued that the former prime minister’s health had deteriorated in custody and that he required advanced care from specialist doctors.

However, the Islamabad High Court declined the request for an immediate transfer to a private hospital. Instead, the court ordered the formation of a medical board to conduct a fresh examination and assess whether Khan requires treatment outside prison. 

According to court directions, the medical board will include senior ophthalmology specialists who will evaluate Khan’s condition and submit recommendations to the authorities. 

Based on the board’s findings, officials will decide whether he should remain in prison for treatment or be moved to another medical facility. Khan’s legal team has maintained that the former prime minister is suffering from a serious eye condition and has experienced significant loss of vision. Reports indicate that the condition, known as central retinal vein occlusion, can lead to severe vision impairment if not treated properly. Government lawyers argued in court that Khan is already receiving medical treatment under prison regulations and that decisions about hospital transfers must follow established legal and administrative procedures.

The case has drawn significant attention in Pakistan, where Khan’s imprisonment continues to dominate political debate. The former cricket star turned politician, who leads the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, has been in jail since 2023 in connection with multiple legal cases. The court’s latest order means that Khan will remain in custody while a medical board evaluates his health, with further decisions expected after the panel submits its report.