'Needs to be moved to hospital now': Imran Khan's health in jail deteriorates

August 18, 2026 - 07:51

Former Pakistani President Arif Alvi has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating health of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that his medical reports are "alarming" and that he needs to be moved to a hospital immediately. Alvi, who served as president during Khan's tenure, spoke out on Tuesday, citing symptoms including anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure.

According to Alvi, the latest medical evaluations of the 71-year-old opposition leader show a serious decline in his condition. He stressed that the current level of care inside the prison is not sufficient to address these issues, and that Khan requires specialized treatment that can only be provided in a proper medical facility. The former president's comments add to growing concerns among Khan's supporters and political allies, who have repeatedly claimed that the former cricket star is being denied adequate healthcare while in custody.

Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on a range of charges, which he and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, maintain are politically motivated to keep him out of power. His legal team has filed multiple requests for better medical access, but so far, authorities have not granted a transfer to an outside hospital. Alvi's public statement is likely to intensify pressure on the government to respond to the medical emergency, as speculation grows over whether Khan's condition could force a change in his detention arrangements.