Congressman Suhas Subramanyam supports a Pakistani Supreme Court decision to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for his human rights and medical care.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has expressed his approval of a recent ruling by the Pakistani Supreme Court that orders the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital. However, he stressed that ongoing pressure is necessary to ensure Khan’s human rights and access to adequate medical care.
“I welcome the news that former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad,” Subramanyam stated. “Since his time in custody, reports have revealed sustained eye damage, general health concerns, and prolonged solitary confinement. Hospitalization and access to his personal physician and family are needed steps in the right direction. But we must continue to advocate for Mr. Khan’s human rights and access to care,” he added.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered Khan, who is 73 years old, to be transferred from Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical examinations. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, had been seeking hospital treatment for him for several months.
Justice Shahid Waheed, who presided over the case, announced that Khan would be moved within two days. Uzair Bhandari, one of Khan’s lawyers, noted that the three-member bench also mandated the formation of a medical board to oversee Khan’s treatment. This board will include Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, and his personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan.
Additionally, the court directed that Khan’s family be permitted to visit him at the hospital and that he be allowed to communicate with his sons, who reside abroad. The next hearing in Khan’s case is scheduled for September 16, and according to his lawyer, Khan is expected to remain in the hospital until at least that date. This would mark the longest duration he has spent outside of prison since his detention began.
Earlier this year, Khan received hospital treatment for an eye condition, with his family and lawyer reporting that he had lost most of the vision in his right eye.
Subramanyam previously led a bipartisan group of 13 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 11. In this letter, the lawmakers expressed their concerns regarding the detention conditions of Khan and his wife, Bushra Imran Khan.
The letter highlighted reports indicating that Khan had been confined to his cell for up to 23 hours a day and had suffered significant eye damage. It also raised alarms about Bushra Khan’s access to clean drinking water, food, family visits, and medical treatment.
“We request that the State Department review these concerns and assess the current status of Mr. and Ms. Khan’s conditions,” the lawmakers wrote. “Moreover, we urge the Department to address their continued detention and human rights directly with the Government of Pakistan.”
The letter was signed by notable Indian-American lawmakers, including Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, as well as Frank Pallone Jr. Other signatories included Joe Wilson, Gus Bilirakis, James McGovern, Donald Beyer Jr., Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar, Johnny Olszewski Jr., Rashida Tlaib, and James Walkinshaw.
As the situation develops, Subramanyam’s advocacy highlights the ongoing international concern regarding the treatment of political figures in Pakistan and the importance of human rights in the region.
According to IANS, the developments surrounding Khan’s health and legal status remain a focal point for both domestic and international observers.