Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Imran Khan Returns to Prison After Eye Examination
Imran Khan is a former prime minister of Pakistan who is in prison.
People close to him were worried because he was having problems seeing with his right eye.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that he be taken to a hospital for an examination.
Doctors, including a doctor chosen by Khan, were supposed to check him.
Six specialist doctors examined him.
They did not keep him in the hospital, so he was taken back to prison.
Khan’s supporters say he needs better medical care and access to doctors.
The government says the medical reports did not show that he needed to stay in a hospital.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital over concerns about vision loss in his right eye.
A medical panel, including Khan’s personal physician, was directed to examine him before a September 16 hearing.
Six specialist doctors examined Khan, after which he was returned to Adiala Jail rather than admitted for further treatment.
Khan’s lawyers and family cited his diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion and alleged substantial vision loss.
The government said medical reports did not show that immediate hospitalisation was necessary, while PTI continued demanding better access and Khan’s release.
- Who
- Imran Khan, his lawyers and family, Pakistan’s government, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
- What
- Khan was transferred from prison to Shifa International Hospital for an examination concerning vision loss in his right eye, then returned to prison.
- When
- The transfer occurred before the Supreme Court’s next hearing scheduled for September 16; Khan was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in late January.
- Where
- Shifa International Hospital and Adiala Jail in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Why
- The Supreme Court ordered the transfer after continuing concerns and legal disputes over Khan’s medical treatment and right-eye vision loss.
Khan’s Lawyers and PTI
Pakistan Government
Need for hospital care
Khan’s Lawyers and PTI
Khan’s lawyers and family said his health had deteriorated in prison, alleged significant loss of vision in his right eye, and sought access to a private medical facility.
Pakistan Government
The government maintained that available medical reports did not show Khan required immediate hospitalisation.
Court intervention
Khan’s Lawyers and PTI
PTI welcomed the Supreme Court’s order as a “new ray of hope” and continued to demand better access to Khan, quicker case resolutions, and his release.
Pakistan Government
The government sought to challenge the Supreme Court’s direction, but its review petition was returned by the court’s Registrar’s Office over procedural objections.
Criminal cases against Khan
Khan’s Lawyers and PTI
Khan has consistently maintained that the cases and convictions against him are politically motivated.
Pakistan Government
The Pakistani government rejects Khan’s allegation that the cases against him are politically motivated.
- Medical concern
- Khan was diagnosed with right central retinal vein occlusion in late January.
- Hospital
- Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
- Medical examination
- Six specialist doctors examined Khan.
- Court order
- The Supreme Court directed the transfer and required a medical panel, including Khan’s personal physician, to examine him.
- Outcome
- Khan was returned to Adiala Jail rather than admitted for further treatment.
- Government position
- Authorities said available medical reports did not show that immediate hospitalisation was required.
- Next hearing
- The Supreme Court hearing was scheduled for September 16.