The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a significant directive regarding the health and medical treatment of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. On Tuesday, August 18, the apex court ordered that Imran Khan be immediately shifted from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital, a private medical facility in Islamabad. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating mental health and physical well-being of the 73 year old leader, who has been incarcerated for nearly 3 years.
Judicial Bench and Court Proceedings
The order was passed by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed. The bench was hearing petitions filed by PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja and Imran Khan's sister, Uzma Khan. During the proceedings, the court emphasized the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation and directed the formation of a specialized medical board to oversee Khan's health, while the court also made a specific appeal to the PTI leadership, urging them not to politicize the issue of Imran Khan's health and to focus strictly on the medical requirements. The court ruled that Imran Khan will remain at the hospital until the next hearing, which is scheduled for September 16.
Composition of the Medical Board
To ensure transparency and professional care, the Supreme Court directed that the medical board must include Imran Khan's personal physician, Dr, while faisal, along with his sister, Uzma Khan. The court has instructed this board to present a detailed medical report during the next hearing. This move aims to address the concerns raised by Khan's family and his political party regarding the adequacy of the medical facilities provided within the jail premises.
Details of the Medical Report
A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court by the Superintendent of Adiala Jail revealed concerning details about Imran Khan's current state. According to the report, Khan is exhibiting severe symptoms of stress and anxiety. His stress level has been categorized as Level 3, which is considered extremely serious. The last medical examination of the PTI founder was conducted on August 10 2026 by a medical board comprising specialists in ophthalmology, cardiology, and general medicine. During that checkup, his blood pressure was recorded at 140/80 and his pulse rate was 54 per minute. While his ECG was reported as normal and no issues were found in his chest or heart, Khan himself complained of heaviness in his head and a rapid heartbeat. The report noted that he didn't experience chest pain or difficulty breathing at that time.
Recommendations for Recovery
The medical board has provided several recommendations to manage Imran Khan's health conditions. Doctors have advised him to walk for approximately 1 hour daily and engage in activities that promote mental relaxation. To control his blood pressure and stress levels, specific medications have been prescribed. Plus, the report recommended providing Khan with access to magazines, newspapers, television, and books for reading. A crucial suggestion from the medical team was to increase the duration of his meetings with his family and wife, as more social interaction with loved ones is believed to help regulate his anxiety and blood pressure levels. The PTI has long been demanding better hospital facilities and access to private doctors for Khan, and this court order marks a major development in that regard.