Pakistani Supreme Court Orders Hospital Transfer for Ex-PM Imran Khan Over Health Concerns
Pakistan’s Supreme Court directs transfer of former PM Imran Khan from prison to hospital amid health worries, appointing a medical panel to oversee treatment.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 18, 2026
2 min read
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has mandated the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to a hospital in Islamabad due to serious health concerns.
A three-judge bench issued the order on Tuesday, instructing authorities to complete the transfer within 48 hours. Khan, aged 73, is to remain hospitalized until September 16 while receiving medical care.
To ensure proper treatment, the court also directed the formation of a medical panel comprising a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, an ophthalmologist, and Khan's personal physician.
The decision follows persistent appeals from Khan's family and legal team regarding his declining health during incarceration. Reports indicate Khan has suffered significant vision loss in his right eye while in custody.
His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), welcomed the ruling and urged swift implementation. PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari called it a "just decision" and expressed hope for an unhindered process.
Background
- Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence in a graft case linked to the Al-Qadir Trust.
- He faces allegations involving the receipt of land connected to a £190 million recovery by the UK National Crime Agency, which he denies, claiming political persecution.
- Khan was ousted as prime minister via a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
- His arrest in May 2023 sparked widespread protests, including attacks on government and military installations.
Legal proceedings continue as Khan’s lawyers seek to suspend his sentence pending appeal decisions. The Islamabad High Court recently granted additional time for appeal arguments.
