Imran Khan Relief: Supreme Court Orders Shift From Jail To Hospital For Treatment

In a major legal development that provides substantial relief to the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to shift Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital. Imran Khan, who is the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been incarcerated for the past 3 years. On Tuesday, a three-judge bench of the apex court deliberated on his health concerns and ordered that he be moved to the hospital for comprehensive medical treatment and examinations until the next hearing of the case.

Medical Board and Security Protocols

The Supreme Court bench, while issuing the order, mandated the formation of a specialized medical board to oversee the treatment of the former premier. The court directed the relevant authorities to ensure that Imran Khan is transported to Shifa International Hospital under high-level security. Also, the administration has been instructed to maintain strict law and order outside the hospital premises to prevent any public disturbances or security breaches during his stay at the medical facility.

Scrutiny of Medical Records and Health Status

During the proceedings, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the medical information provided thus far. Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why the complete medical records of the PTI founder had not been submitted to the court. He noted that the information previously presented was merely a summary of the medical reports rather than the full documentation. Consequently, the court has ordered that the entire medical record of Imran Khan be submitted before the next hearing, clarifying that once the records are presented in court, they will no longer remain confidential.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan raised specific queries regarding the feasibility of performing an angiography within the jail premises as suggested in the medical reports. In response, the Advocate General of Islamabad informed the court that such a procedure could be conducted at a hospital outside the jail. Justice Shahid Waheed further highlighted alarming details in the current medical report, noting that Imran Khan's pulse and heart condition appeared irregular. The judge observed that it seems the former Prime Minister's vital organs have begun to be affected, necessitating urgent and specialized medical attention.

Family Visitation Rights and Media Restrictions

The Supreme Court also addressed the restrictions placed on meetings between Imran Khan and his family members. The judges emphasized that meeting family is a fundamental right and questioned why the directives previously issued by the Islamabad High Court weren't being implemented. The Advocate General of Islamabad informed the bench that Imran Khan has met his sisters 48 times over the last 3 years. Following this statement, the Supreme Court requested a detailed record of all such meetings, including any conversations held with his children.

Uzair Bhandari, the counsel representing PTI, requested the court to allow Imran Khan to meet his sisters and doctors regularly and to facilitate a full medical check-up at Shifa International Hospital. The court agreed to allow family visits once a week during his hospital stay. However, a strict condition was imposed: there shall be no media statements or briefings regarding these meetings. The judges insisted that PTI and the family must submit an affidavit confirming that no conversations from the meetings will be shared with the media. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan stressed that Imran Khan's health and medical treatment shouldn't be turned into a subject of political activity.

Legal Status and Financial Responsibilities

The Supreme Court has sought a comprehensive update on the various legal cases involving Imran Khan. This includes the number of cases where he's an under-trial prisoner, cases where he has been convicted, and those where his sentences have been suspended. The Adiala Jail authorities have been directed to provide the full record of meetings held with Imran Khan over the past 3 years and explain the non-compliance with the Islamabad High Court's earlier instructions.

A discussion also took place regarding which of his sisters should be permitted to meet him. Lawyer Uzair Bhandari suggested that Uzma Khan should be allowed as she's a doctor by profession. While the Additional Attorney General argued that the government had not been served a notice regarding Uzma Khan's involvement, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan noted that the government's stance would be considered as the Advocate General was already present. When questioned about the choice of a private hospital and the associated costs, Uzair Bhandari explained that Khan was previously taken to PIMS but requested Shifa International for specific care. The counsel for Uzma Khan assured the court that the family and PTI would bear all expenses for the treatment at the private hospital.

Confidentiality and Future Hearing

To prevent the politicization of the medical situation, the court inquired about guarantees that the medical reports wouldn't be leaked or used for political purposes. PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja assured the bench that the party wouldn't use the medical reports for political gain, stating that the health records are a private matter between the patient, his doctors, and his family. The court ordered that Dr, while faisal Sultan and Uzma Khan remain with the PTI founder during his treatment. The hearing has been adjourned until after the summer break, with Adiala Jail officials directed to appear for the next session scheduled for 16 September 2026.