Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Pakistan Government Refiles Petition Challenging Imran Khan Hospital Order
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be moved from jail to a private hospital.
The hospital named in the order is Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The government first tried to challenge the order but its paperwork was returned as incomplete.
It has now filed the challenge again.
A government adviser said the order may create problems if many prisoners ask to use private hospitals.
Khan’s political party says the court’s order must be followed.
The party warned that it may ask for contempt proceedings if Khan is not moved on time.
Khan’s supporters have been worried about his eye condition and access to medical care.
Pakistan’s government refiled a Supreme Court review petition seeking changes to an order moving Imran Khan to a private hospital.
The registrar’s office had returned the initial petition because its paper books were incomplete.
The court ordered that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days and remain there until the September 16 hearing.
Government adviser Rana Sanaullah said the order could have wide-ranging effects on Pakistan’s criminal justice system.
Khan’s party threatened to pursue contempt proceedings if he was not transferred by Thursday at 11:59 p.m.
- Who
- The Pakistan government, the Supreme Court, jailed former premier Imran Khan, and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party are involved.
- What
- The government refiled a review petition seeking to modify the order transferring Khan to a private hospital.
- When
- The petition was refiled on Thursday, with the transfer deadline described as Thursday at 11:59 p.m.; the next hearing is scheduled for September 16.
- Where
- The case concerns the Supreme Court and Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Why
- The government says the relief granted to Khan was not in accordance with the law and could have wide-ranging implications for the criminal justice system; Khan’s party says he needs adequate medical care.
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Pakistan Government
Compliance with the court order
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf says the Supreme Court’s order is mandatory and Khan must be transferred to Shifa International Hospital immediately.
Pakistan Government
The government has sought a review and possible modification of the order, while saying it is bound by the Constitution, law, and Supreme Court decisions.
Private hospital treatment
Khan’s Party and Supporters
Khan’s party and supporters argue that he needs access to adequate medical care at a private hospital because of his eye condition and other alleged restrictions.
Pakistan Government
Rana Sanaullah questioned whether allowing Khan to use a private hospital would lead to many other prisoners seeking similar transfers.
Possible legal action
Khan’s Party and Supporters
PTI threatened to file a contempt of court petition if Khan was not admitted to a hospital by the stated deadline.
Pakistan Government
The government said it expected a decision on its review petition soon and maintained that the order’s legal implications needed to be considered.
- Person involved
- Imran Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former premier, is 73 years old according to the report.
- Court order
- The Supreme Court directed that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital within two days.
- Hospital
- Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad was named as the destination.
- Government action
- The government refiled a review petition after its earlier filing was returned over incomplete paper books.
- Government representative
- Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, said the government had filed the petition.
- Deadline
- Khan’s party said he should be transferred by Thursday at 11:59 p.m.
- Next hearing
- The court directed that Khan remain at the hospital until the next hearing on September 16.
- Health concern
- The report identifies Khan’s eye condition as right central retinal vein occlusion.