THE Supreme Court finally intervened on Tuesday, about three months after it was approached by former prime minister Imran Khan for enforcement of his rights as a prisoner.

Acting on recent medical reports showing what appeared to be a concerning deterioration in the jailed leader’s health, the court directed the relevant authorities to move the PTI founder to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a complete medical examination under the supervision of one of his sisters and a personal physician, along with other health specialists.

“We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody,” the court observed in its ruling. That was not the only relief granted to the ailing ex-PM. The court also directed the jail authorities to ensure weekly meetings between Mr Khan and his family members, as well as telephonic conversations with his sons. Soon afterwards, one of Mr Khan’s sisters was able to meet him in prison.

Going by reports about the PTI leader’s health, Mr Khan seems to have suffered some ailment or the other for many months now. However, his jailers have persistently denied he may be unwell, apparently going as far as to actively resist and thwart efforts to have him examined by physicians of his choosing.

It is unbecoming of a state to treat former leaders so poorly. Other leaders, including the two senior-most leaders of the PML-N and PPP, have suffered similar or worse cruelties in the past. It would have earned them much goodwill if they had intervened, even once, to ensure that rival leaders were not treated as poorly during their own terms.

It seems pertinent to point out here that several other political leaders remain in jail, including women, who have been suffering similarly from poor health or the vagaries of old age. They, too, deserve the state’s sympathy.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2026