Supreme Court directs Adiala jail authorities to shift PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital and submit his complete medical record.
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered authorities to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment, marking a significant development in the legal battle over his health and access to medical care.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, directed that Khan remain at the hospital until the next hearing on Sept. 16. The court also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess and treat the former prime minister.
The bench said Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, and his personal physician should be allowed to remain present during his medical assessment and treatment. His family will bear the medical expenses.
Authorities were instructed to make arrangements for Khan’s transfer under tight security while ensuring that law and order around the hospital is not disrupted. The court further directed that his medical report should not be used for political purposes.
Supreme Court seeks complete medical record
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the submission of only a summary of Khan’s medical history and ordered authorities to provide his complete medical record before the next hearing.
A two-page report submitted by Adiala jail authorities covered 39 medical consultations conducted between Nov. 4, 2023, and Aug. 10, 2026. The report said Khan had been examined by government doctors and specialists, including ophthalmologists who treated him for central retinal vein occlusion, an eye condition previously diagnosed in his affected eye.
During the hearing, the bench also discussed concerns about Khan’s cardiovascular health and recommendations for further medical testing, including angiography.
PTI lawyer Uzair Bhandari requested access for Khan’s sister and personal physician, while also suggesting that former health minister Dr. Faisal Sultan be permitted to examine him.
Family meetings also discussed
The Supreme Court separately questioned restrictions on meetings between Khan and his sisters, with Justice Waheed observing that such meetings were a fundamental right rather than a concession.
The court directed authorities to provide details of Khan’s meetings with family members over the past three years, as well as records concerning his communication with his sons.
The bench also sought comprehensive details of Khan’s pending cases, including those in which he is an under-trial prisoner, has been convicted or has secured suspension of sentence.
Adiala jail officials were summoned to appear at the next hearing, while authorities were directed to submit the requested medical, meeting and communication records.
The case will return before the Supreme Court on Sept. 16, when the court is expected to review Khan’s medical treatment and compliance with its interim directions.
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