Imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan is to be moved from solitary confinement to a hospital in Islamabad due to ongoing health concerns, according to reports. His family has repeatedly appealed for improved medical treatment.
Khan, 73, was imprisoned three years ago and is serving two sentences totaling 31 years. His sons, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, described his prison quarters as a “death cell” with inhumane conditions, citing issues such as “filthy water” and isolation.
He has reportedly spent up to 23 hours a day in isolation. His sons have alleged that he was subjected to psychological torture tactics, with even prison guards forbidden from communicating with him.
Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan’s political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, confirmed that the former Prime Minister would be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours and would remain there until at least September 16. Bukhari expressed that the move was “very welcome” but should have occurred sooner to prevent the deterioration of Khan's health.
In February, 14 international cricketers, including former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, issued an open letter appealing for better treatment for Khan. The courts had previously denied two requests for a hospital transfer.
Khan’s sons stated that the conditions of his imprisonment did not meet international legal standards for any prisoner and expressed concern about not being able to see their father due to visa issues.
Khan led Pakistan as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. During his cricket career, he captained Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. His supporters have organized multiple protests demanding his release since his arrest in May 2023.