Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The move, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, August 21, 2026, comes after a directive from Pakistan's Supreme Court addressing long-standing concerns about his deteriorating health.
The Supreme Court issued an order on Tuesday, instructing authorities to facilitate Khan's transfer to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. The court mandated a comprehensive medical examination by a panel of doctors, including his personal physician. Khan is scheduled to remain at the hospital until the next hearing, set for September 16.
Khan's legal team has consistently highlighted the decline in his health during his imprisonment. A key concern is his eyesight, as he was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in late January. His lawyers allege he has experienced substantial vision loss in his right eye, necessitating specialized care.
Despite the court's clear directive, the government initially sought a review and reversal of the order, a move that drew sharp criticism from Khan's supporters and legal representatives. The government has maintained that existing medical reports do not indicate a condition requiring immediate hospitalisation, a claim contested by Khan's family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari described the Supreme Court's ruling as a "new ray of hope," though he affirmed the party's commitment to ongoing advocacy. Plans for a nationwide march on September 27 remain in place, aiming to press for Khan's access to supporters, a quicker resolution of his legal cases, and his ultimate release from custody.
Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018, was removed from office in 2022 following a parliamentary no-confidence vote. This event marked the beginning of an escalating confrontation between his PTI movement and the country's military establishment. He was first arrested in May 2023, leading to widespread protests, and was re-arrested in August 2023 on corruption charges, including the Toshakhana case involving alleged illegal sales of state gifts. Khan has remained in custody since, consistently denying the charges and asserting they are politically motivated.