Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Pakistan’s Imran Khan Returned to Jail After Hospital Examination
Imran Khan is a former prime minister of Pakistan who has been in jail since August 2023.
A court ordered officials to take him to a hospital for a medical examination.
He was moved from jail during the night of August 20 and 21.
Officials said several doctors checked him and found him medically fit.
They then returned him to Adiala Jail in the morning.
Officials said the examination took place at a government hospital because of security concerns.
Khan’s party said he had been taken to a different private hospital.
His supporters and relatives worry that his health and eyesight have become worse in prison.
The government says medical reports do not show that he needs immediate treatment.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was examined overnight and returned to Adiala Jail at about 5 a.m. on Friday.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, declared Khan medically fit.
Reports differ on the hospital: officials said the examination occurred at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, while Khan’s party said he had arrived at Shifa International Hospital.
The transfer followed a Supreme Court order issued earlier in the week after concerns about Khan’s severe anxiety and deteriorating eyesight.
Khan’s party and family have raised concerns about his medical care, while the government says reports showed no condition requiring immediate treatment.
- Who
- Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister; government officials; doctors; and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
- What
- Khan was transferred from prison for a medical examination and then returned to jail after doctors declared him medically fit.
- When
- During the night of August 20–21, with his return reported at about 5 a.m. on Friday.
- Where
- He was transferred from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for examination in Islamabad; reports differ over whether the examination occurred at Shifa International Hospital or Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
- Why
- The transfer followed a Supreme Court order responding to concerns about Khan’s severe anxiety, eyesight and other health issues.
Government and Officials
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Medical condition
Government and Officials
Officials said doctors examined Khan and found him medically fit, with no condition requiring immediate treatment according to government medical reports.
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Khan’s lawyers, relatives and supporters said his health has deteriorated in prison, including significant loss of vision in his right eye.
Hospital transfer and return
Government and Officials
The information minister said Khan was examined at a government hospital because of a security situation created by PTI workers and was returned to jail after the examination.
Khan’s Party and Supporters
PTI members said he had arrived at Shifa International Hospital and had interpreted the court order as allowing him to remain hospitalized for several weeks.
Prison conditions and legal cases
Government and Officials
The government denies allegations that Khan’s cases are politically motivated and says medical reports do not justify immediate treatment outside prison.
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Khan says the cases are politically motivated, while his relatives and party colleagues allege restrictions on medical care, family visits and legal counsel.
- Prison
- Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi
- Medical finding
- Officials said a team including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician declared Khan medically fit.
- Return time
- Approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
- Court order
- The Supreme Court ordered Khan’s transfer for medical examination within two days.
- Health concerns
- Reports cited severe anxiety and a right-eye condition involving the central retinal vein.
- Hospital discrepancy
- Officials said Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences; Khan’s party said Shifa International Hospital.
- Custody
- Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption.
