Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a private hospital for medical examination.
The ruling follows mounting pressure from Khan's family and political allies who raised alarms over his physical and mental well-being while in custody. This move signals a judicial intervention in the management of one of the country's most prominent political prisoners.
The court issued the order on Aug. 18, 2026 [1], directing that Khan be moved from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad [2]. The transfer is intended to facilitate a comprehensive medical assessment of the former leader.
Requests for the transfer were supported by Khan's party, his family, and former President Arif Alvi [3]. Those advocating for the move cited specific health concerns, including reports of anxiety, and issues with blood pressure [3].
Under the court's directives, the transfer to the private facility is meant to ensure a higher standard of care than what is available within the prison system. The ruling also allows for weekly family meetings with the former prime minister [4].
The decision comes amid a period of intense legal battles for Khan, who has faced numerous charges since his removal from office. The move to Shifa Hospital is viewed as a necessary step to verify the current state of his health through independent medical professionals.
Authorities are now tasked with coordinating the secure transport of the former prime minister from Rawalpindi to the capital city of Islamabad.
“The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a private hospital.”
This judicial order reflects the ongoing tension between Pakistan's legal system and its executive authorities regarding the treatment of political detainees. By mandating a move to a private facility like Shifa Hospital, the Supreme Court is exercising oversight to ensure that health concerns—specifically blood pressure and anxiety—are addressed outside of state-run prison clinics, which are often viewed as insufficient or biased.
