ISLAMABAD – In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed authorities to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital, ordering a comprehensive medical evaluation under tight security. The ruling comes amid growing concerns over the former prime minister’s health during his three-year detention.
A three-member bench issued the order while also directing the formation of a dedicated medical board for Khan. The court instructed that he be moved to the private medical facility immediately, with authorities ensuring that law and order outside the hospital remains undisturbed. The transfer is to be completed within two days, according to the ruling.
Court Raises Concerns Over Incomplete Medical Records
During the hearing, Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why Khan’s complete medical record had not been submitted to the court, noting that only a summary of medical reports had been provided. The court directed that the full medical record be submitted before the next hearing, observing that once presented in court, the documents would no longer remain confidential.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also raised questions about whether the angiography mentioned in the medical report could be performed within the jail premises. The Islamabad advocate general informed the court that the procedure would need to be carried out at a hospital outside the prison.
Justice Shahid Waheed expressed concern over the medical reports, highlighting abnormalities in Khan’s pulse and heart condition. He noted that the reports suggested the PTI founder’s vital organs were beginning to be affected, underscoring the urgency of proper medical intervention.
Family Meetings and Fundamental Rights Under Scrutiny
The apex court also examined restrictions on meetings between Khan and his family members. The judges stated that meeting family members was a fundamental right and questioned why directions previously issued by the Islamabad High Court were not being followed.
The Islamabad advocate general informed the court that Khan had met his sisters 48 times over the past three years. The Supreme Court subsequently sought complete details of those meetings, as well as records of his conversations with his children.
PTI lawyer Uzair Bhandari requested that Khan’s sisters and personal doctors be allowed to meet him and that he undergo a complete medical check-up at Shifa International Hospital. The court directed that doctors Faisal Sultan and Uzma Khan would accompany the PTI founder during his treatment.
Conditions Imposed to Prevent Political Exploitation
The court discussed assurances that no media statements would be made following meetings with Khan. The judges said PTI and the family would have to provide affidavits confirming that no media talk would take place after such meetings.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan stressed that Khan’s health and treatment should not become a subject of political activity. The court also directed the PTI not to politicize the medical treatment of its founder.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja assured the court that the political party would not use the medical reports for political purposes, stating that the reports were a matter between Khan, his doctors, and his family.
Expenses and Hospital Stay Details
When Justice Shahid Waheed asked who would cover the expenses of treatment at a private hospital, Uzma Khan’s lawyer responded that the family would bear all costs. The court ordered that Khan remain at the hospital until the next hearing, with the PTI covering all expenses associated with treatment at the private facility.
The court also directed that Khan be allowed to meet his family once a week. The hearing was adjourned until after the summer recess, with Adiala Jail officials directed to appear at the next hearing on 16 September 2026.
PTI Welcomes Supreme Court Verdict
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Speaking to the media at Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party welcomed the ruling and called for Khan to be transferred to the hospital without delay.
Gohar reiterated that PTI would fully comply with the court’s directions and asked party workers not to gather outside Shifa International Hospital. He said supporters should stay away from the hospital to ensure there was no disruption to Khan’s treatment, adding that the party would never use the PTI founder’s health for political purposes.
Sister Meets Imran Khan in Jail After Verdict
Following the Supreme Court verdict, Noreen Niazi, sister of Imran Khan, was allowed to meet him in jail, according to jail sources. The meeting took place in the conference room of the jail, where Noreen and her brother discussed his health and other matters.
According to sources, Noreen also briefed the PTI founder about the latest developments concerning the Supreme Court order. After the meeting, Noreen left the jail and reached the Dahgal checkpoint. When a journalist asked whether she had been allowed to meet the PTI founder, she placed a finger on her lips, signaling silence, without confirming or denying the meeting.
Broader Legal Scrutiny of Khan’s Detention
The apex court also sought details of Khan’s cases, including the number in which he is an under-trial prisoner, the cases in which he has been convicted, and those in which sentences have been suspended. The court directed Adiala Jail authorities to provide records of meetings with Khan over the past three years and explain why Islamabad High Court directions were allegedly not followed.
The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding the PTI founder, with his health now at the center of judicial and public attention.
