Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination last week.
The move follows a period of intense legal disputes regarding the health of the 73-year-old [1] politician and his access to independent medical care while incarcerated.
The Pakistan Supreme Court issued the order for the transfer on Aug. 19, 2026 [2]. The court said that Imran Khan be taken to a private hospital for a medical examination [3]. This directive was intended to allow Khan access to a medical panel that includes his personal physician for a comprehensive health assessment [4].
According to reports, the transfer was carried out early on Friday, Aug. 22, 2026 [5]. Some reports indicate the move occurred between Aug. 22 and 23, 2026 [5]. The transfer happened after a deadline requiring the move to occur within 48 hours of the court order [1].
Despite the transfer, tensions remain between the government and Khan's political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A PTI spokesperson said the party filed a contempt petition because authorities took Khan to a state hospital for a check-up before returning him to jail [6]. This contradicts other reports describing the facility as a private hospital [3].
PTI officials confirmed the move to the Islamabad facility early Friday [5]. The party continues to monitor the conditions of the medical examination to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's mandates [6].
“The court has ordered that Imran Khan be taken to a private hospital for a medical examination.”
The transfer of Imran Khan to a hospital outside of the prison system highlights the ongoing tension between Pakistan's judiciary and its executive authorities. By mandating access to a personal physician and a private facility, the Supreme Court is asserting oversight over the treatment of high-profile political prisoners. The subsequent contempt petition by PTI suggests that the party views any deviation from the court's specific instructions as a political maneuver by the state.
