Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities to shift former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment and treatment amid continuing concerns about his health.

Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan’s Transfer to Shifa Hospital

On August 18, the Supreme Court directed the authorities to move Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

According to Reuters, the court ordered that Khan be transferred within 48 hours and remain at the hospital until September 16. The order followed concerns raised about his health and calls from his family and legal team for access to appropriate specialist medical care.

The court also directed that his medical care involve a panel of specialists, including his personal doctor, according to reports on the ruling.

The development followed months of concern from PTI leaders and members of Khan’s family regarding his medical condition while in custody.

Government Challenges the Hospital Transfer Order

The federal government subsequently challenged the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing that treatment of prisoners should ordinarily take place at government hospitals.

The government’s review petition reportedly described the order directing treatment at a private hospital as discriminatory and asked the court to reconsider or modify its decision. Officials have maintained that the government is not opposed to necessary medical treatment for Khan but has raised objections to the use of a private facility.

The Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the review petition on August 20, citing incomplete paper books. Dawn reported that the government could submit the petition again after making the required corrections.

Has Imran Khan Been Shifted to Shifa International Hospital?

As of the latest reports available on August 20, 2026, the key development is that the Supreme Court has ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital, but the implementation of that order has remained contested.

PTI has accused the government of delaying the transfer and has warned of possible legal action if the court’s directive is not implemented. PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said the party could approach the Supreme Court with a contempt petition if the order was not followed.

Therefore, headlines stating that Khan has already been physically transferred should be treated carefully unless authorities officially confirm that the transfer has taken place.

Why Was Imran Khan Ordered to Be Taken to Hospital?

The Supreme Court’s decision came amid concerns over Khan’s health while he remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail.

Reports have referred to concerns including blood pressure and other health-related issues. A medical board and the Adiala Jail superintendent also submitted reports to the Supreme Court regarding Khan’s medical condition and access to family members and physicians.

The court’s intervention followed repeated requests from Khan’s family and PTI for improved access to medical specialists and his personal doctors.

Khan’s family and supporters have previously raised concerns over reported problems with his eyesight and other health matters. The government, however, has disputed some claims concerning the severity of his condition.

Imran Khan’s Family Access Also Becomes Key Issue

The hospital-transfer case has also highlighted restrictions surrounding Khan’s meetings with his family.

The Supreme Court has addressed requests concerning access to his sisters, family members and medical professionals. A recent development allowed Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi to meet him at Adiala Jail after a lengthy period without such a meeting.

The court proceedings have therefore involved not only Khan’s proposed medical transfer but also questions surrounding his medical records, family access and treatment arrangements.

PTI Welcomes Supreme Court Decision

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf welcomed the Supreme Court’s order to move its founder to Shifa International Hospital.

The party has repeatedly demanded access to specialist medical treatment for Khan and has argued that his health requires proper evaluation outside the prison environment.

PTI has also called on authorities to implement the Supreme Court directive without delay.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is whether the government will refile its review petition after the Supreme Court registrar returned the original petition.

The government may address the procedural objections and submit a fresh petition. At the same time, PTI has indicated that it may pursue contempt proceedings if the hospital-transfer order is not implemented.

The situation could therefore lead to further proceedings before the Supreme Court in the coming days.

For now, the Supreme Court’s August 18 order remains the central development: Imran Khan was ordered to be shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical assessment and treatment.

A Developing Political and Legal Story

Imran Khan’s imprisonment has remained one of Pakistan’s most closely followed political and legal developments. His continued detention, court cases and health have repeatedly generated political debate between PTI and the government.

The latest hospital-transfer dispute adds another legal dimension to the situation, with the Supreme Court order, the government’s review petition and PTI’s demand for immediate implementation now at the centre of attention.

Shyok Times will continue to follow the developments surrounding Imran Khan’s health, hospital transfer and the Supreme Court proceedings.