Pakistan Supreme Court orders Imran Khan move to private hospital

Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a private hospital in Islamabad ^[1].

The move follows prolonged demands from Khan's family and political party regarding his medical condition. As a high-profile political prisoner, Khan's health and treatment have remained central points of contention between his supporters and the state.

Court documents and reports indicate the order was issued on Tuesday, Aug. 20 ^[2]. The 73-year-old former leader will be moved from a facility in Rawalpindi to a private medical center in the capital ^[2]. This decision fulfills a longstanding request for specialized care that his representatives argued was unavailable within the prison system ^[2].

Khan has been imprisoned since August 2026 ^[2]. During his time in custody, his legal team and party members have frequently raised alarms about his physical well-being, citing the need for professional medical intervention outside of jail walls.

While the court mandated the transfer, the move has faced logistical and legal scrutiny. Some reports indicated the order was being challenged or discussed as early as Aug. 19 ^[1], though the formal order is cited as occurring on the 20th ^[2]. Local media outlets reported that Khan was on his way to the hospital shortly after the ruling ^[2].

The transfer comes amid a volatile political climate in Pakistan, where Khan continues to be a dominant and polarizing figure. His party has long maintained that his detention is politically motivated, while the government maintains that he must face legal proceedings for his actions while in office.