Jail or hospital for Imran Khan? Supreme Court set to decide after medical review | Here's what we know

File photo of Pakistani supporters hold a poster of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan's fate rests with Pakistan's Supreme Court, which will review his medical condition and decide if he stays in jail or moves to a hospital. Doctors noted some improvement in his eyesight, and a full report will be submitted before Monday's hearing.

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The fate of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan now rests with the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which is expected to review his medical condition on Monday and decide whether he should continue to remain lodged in jail or be shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Khan, who has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail, was examined by a team of senior doctors amid growing concern over his deteriorating eyesight and overall health. Sources told CNN-News18 that the medical team carried specialised equipment, including a slit lamp and an Optical Coherence Tomography scan machine, into the jail to conduct a detailed eye examination inside the prison premises.

Detailed medical examination inside jail

According to CNN-News18 sources, the examination lasted around 90 minutes and was conducted by Dr Arif from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Nadeem Qureshi from the Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, along with supporting medical staff. Sources from PIMS said the doctors carried out a comprehensive physical and ophthalmic evaluation under tight security.

Medical examiners reportedly noted a reduction in eye swelling and some improvement in Khan’s vision. No major complications have been detected so far. One dose of the drug Eylea has already been administered, while a second dose is scheduled for February 25 along with steroid medication. An angiogram procedure is also being planned to further assess the condition of his eyes.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the complete medical report is expected to be submitted before the Supreme Court ahead of Monday’s hearing. The court will then decide whether Khan should continue receiving treatment inside Adiala Jail or be shifted to a specialised medical facility.

Possible transfer and rising concern

The medical review comes amid reports that Pakistani authorities are considering shifting Khan to Islamabad Model Jail if his health worsens. According to earlier reports, the move is being discussed as part of a contingency plan, further underlining the uncertainty surrounding his custody.

Khan’s condition has also triggered concern beyond political circles. Former Pakistan cricket captains Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have publicly urged authorities to ensure urgent and proper medical care for the jailed former prime minister, adding pressure on the state to act responsibly.

Limited family contact after court directive

In another development, Khan was recently allowed to speak to his sons for around 20 minutes following a court directive. His sister Aleema Khan confirmed the call, describing it as a rare and brief moment of contact after months of restricted communication.

The limited access granted to Khan has further fuelled criticism of Pakistan’s handling of his incarceration, with supporters accusing the state of using jail conditions as a tool of pressure.

A test for Pakistan’s justice system

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on Khan’s medical treatment, the case has become a litmus test for Pakistan’s justice system and its treatment of political prisoners. With health concerns mounting and international scrutiny growing, the court’s decision will determine whether medical need or political considerations prevail.

For now, Khan remains inside Adiala Jail, under medical observation, as the country waits for a verdict that could shape not just his immediate future, but Pakistan’s already strained political climate.