Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination.
The move follows a prolonged battle by supporters and legal teams to secure independent medical access for the 73-year-old leader [3]. It highlights the ongoing tension between the Pakistani judiciary and the state regarding the treatment of high-profile political prisoners.
The court issued the order on Aug. 18, 2026 [1]. The ruling required the transfer to take place within 48 hours [4]. While some reports indicated the move occurred on Aug. 19, other records state Khan was transferred early on Friday, Aug. 20, 2026 [2].
Officials ordered the transfer due to concerns over Khan's deteriorating health, specifically citing issues with his blood pressure [2]. The court's decision ensures that Khan can be evaluated by a medical panel that includes his personal physician [2].
Under the terms of the court order, the authorized stay at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad will last nearly a month [5]. This period allows for a comprehensive health assessment that was previously unavailable while Khan remained in the custody of Adiala Jail.
The transfer comes amid a period of intense legal scrutiny for the former leader. The Supreme Court's intervention marks a significant shift in the access granted to Khan's private medical team, a point of contention that has persisted since his incarceration.
“Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital.”
The Supreme Court's intervention reflects a judicial effort to balance state security with the fundamental human rights of a political prisoner. By mandating access to a personal physician and a specialized facility, the court is mitigating risks of further political instability that could arise from a health crisis while in state custody.
