The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed authorities to shift jailed PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The order is for a complete medical check-up in the next few days. The ruling was by a three-judge bench. The bench, led by Justice Shahid Waheed, also included Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The court was hearing a number of petitions. These demanded Imran’s hospitalization and access to meetings with his family.
Key Highlights
- SC orders Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for a full checkup
- Court forms a medical board including a cardiologist, an eye specialist, and Imran’s personal physician
- Weekly family meetings and phone calls with his sons approved
- Medical report cannot be shared with media or used for political purposes
- Case will resume on September 16
I assured the court that we will not hold any gatherings or create any commotion outside Shifa International Hospital. We must honour our promise and must not use Imran Khan’s health for political purposes in any way.” Says Barrister Salman pic.twitter.com/FIS702ughY
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 18, 2026
Court Cites Constitutional Right to Health
Imran approached the Supreme Court in May. He sought a transfer to Shifa International Hospital. He also asked for access to his personal physicians, family members, and legal counsel. He wanted his medical details shared with his family as well.
A medical board was ordered to be formed at Shifa International Hospital. It ordered the jail authorities to permit weekly meetings of Imran with his family. He was also permitted to phone his sons. Justice Waheed said the decision was based on Article 9 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to life and access to medical care. He said the court was conscious of this fundamental right while issuing the order.
Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman opposed the hospital transfer during the hearing. He argued the prisoner could not be moved to a private hospital at this time. He also said no formal notice had been issued to the government on the matter. Justice Waheed noted that the AAG still took part in the proceedings despite this objection.
Medical Board and Conditions of the Order
The court-ordered medical board will include a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, and an eye specialist. Dr. Faisal Sultan, Imran’s personal physician, will also serve on the board. Petitioner Dr. Uzma Khan, Imran’s sister, will take part in the medical examination as well. The petitioner’s family agreed to cover all expenses for the checkup.
The order comes with several conditions attached. Family members, doctors, and lawyers connected to the case cannot share the medical report with the media or the public. They also cannot use the report for political purposes. The court warned that violating these terms would lead to the facility being withdrawn right away. The government can file an application if it believes the arrangement is being misused. The petitioner’s side holds the same right if the government proves reluctant to cooperate. The order also bars any public gathering or rally outside Shifa Hospital.
Jail Report Details Health Concerns
The ruling came a day after a report submitted by the superintendent of Adiala jail, where Imran has been held since August 2023. He is getting adequate medical care, the report said. It said medics were checking on him three times a day, taking his blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
An annexure to the report told a more detailed story. Dr. Akhtar Ali Bandeshah of PIMS examined Imran on August 1. He noted complaints of fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, and restlessness. Imran attributed some of his stress to infrequent meetings with his wife and family, along with limited access to newspapers and television. The doctor recommended more frequent family visits, reading material, and a CT coronary angiography. He also recommended increasing Imran’s blood pressure medication, noting risks tied to his age of 74.
On August 10, a separate medical board from PIMS examined Imran after he reported head heaviness and palpitations. The board recommended a daily one-hour walk, a more relaxed prison routine, and access to newspapers, magazines, television, and books. It also recommended more frequent contact with his immediate family, saying this could help ease his anxiety and blood pressure.
The report also addressed an earlier eye condition. Imran was treated at PIMS for right central retinal vein occlusion, an ailment first identified in late January. According to the report, his vision has largely returned to normal following treatment from senior ophthalmologists.
Government and PTI Continue to Trade Blame
PTI and the government are at loggerheads over Imran’s medical care. The party has been accused of being opaque in providing adequate treatment, the government has claimed. The opposition has in turn demanded that Imran be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, treated in the presence of his personal physicians and given regular visits by family members. The Supreme Court order addresses some of these long-pending demands but the case is yet to be decided and the next hearing is on September 16.
