ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Wednesday filed a review petition before the Supreme Court, challenging its interim order directing the transfer of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination.
Khan, who is the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country’s largest opposition party, is currently serving a prison sentence.
The review petition was filed by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad through the Advocate General. It argues that the Supreme Court’s interim order exceeded its jurisdiction and should be reconsidered.
According to the petition, Khan was sentenced to three years in prison by an additional sessions judge on August 5, 2023. An appeal against the sentence was subsequently filed before the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
وفاقی حکومت نے چیف کمشنر اسلام آباد کے ذریعے سپریم کورٹ کے تین رکنی بینچ کے فیصلے پر نظر ثانی کی درخواست دائر کر دی ۔ فیصلے میں عمران خان کو دو دن کے اندر نجی اسپتال شفاء انٹرنیشنل منتقل کرنے کا حکم دیا گیا تھا pic.twitter.com/eTp9AkXHcd
— Sanaullah Khan (@SanaullahDawn) August 19, 2026
During the proceedings, Khan sought permission under Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.
The IHC dismissed the request on March 12, 2026, following which an appeal was filed before the Supreme Court, the petition said.
The government contended that the transfer of a prisoner from jail to an outside hospital is governed by a prescribed legal procedure under Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
It maintained that, in certain circumstances, government approval and action through the Inspector General of Prisons are required before a prisoner can be transferred to a hospital outside the prison.
It also pointed out that prisoners receiving treatment outside jail are required to remain under police supervision.
The review petition further argued that the matter had come before the Supreme Court for the first time and that the relevant parties had not been formally served notices before the interim order was issued.
The government said Khan had previously undergone regular medical examinations and had been treated by medical boards on several occasions.
It argued that the court should have sought the opinion of medical specialists before determining whether his health condition had actually deteriorated to a level warranting transfer to a private hospital.
The petition also invoked Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process of law, arguing that the prescribed legal procedures should be followed in deciding the matter.
Pakistan government to seek a review of the Supreme Court’s decision on PTI founder Imran Khan’s medical treatment, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said in a video message posted on social media.
Tarar said the government had reviewed the court’s order and would approach the… pic.twitter.com/McglfwqUdB
— Sajjad Tarakzai (@SajjadTarakzai) August 18, 2026
The government has therefore asked the Supreme Court to review and set aside, or otherwise reconsider, its August 18 interim order directing Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Supreme Court Order on Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the government to shift the former prime minister to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within the next few days after his counsel presented arguments before the top court regarding his medical condition.
The court directed that a medical board be constituted at Shifa International Hospital to conduct a comprehensive examination of Imran Khan.
The board will comprise a cardiologist, a general medicine specialist, an eye specialist and Khan’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. Dr Uzma Khan, Imran Khan’s sister and a petitioner in the case, will also be associated with the medical examination.
The directives were issued while the court was hearing several petitions seeking Imran Khan’s hospitalisation, access to his personal physicians and family members, and the provision of his medical details to his family.
The court directed that the expenses of Khan’s comprehensive medical examination would be borne by his family and attendants, as assured by the petitioner.
Restrictions on medical report
The Supreme Court imposed several conditions on the facility granted to Imran Khan. His family members, doctors and lawyers associated with the case were barred from sharing the medical board’s report with the media or the general public or using it for political purposes.
The court cautioned that the facility granted to Khan would be withdrawn immediately if any of the conditions were violated. It also said the government would be at liberty to approach the court through an appropriate application if it believed the facility was being misused.
Similarly, the petitioner’s side could approach the court if the government showed any reluctance to implement the order. The court further directed Imran Khan’s party, family members and lawyers associated with the case not to arrange any public gathering or rally outside Shifa International Hospital.
Weekly family meetings ordered
The court also directed the jail authorities to ensure weekly meetings between Imran Khan and his family members. It ordered that telephone conversations between the former premier and his sons should also be facilitated. The court will resume hearing the part-heard case on September 16.
Court’s written order
“The prisoner shall, within the next two days, be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad,” the written order read.
The court ordered the constitution of a medical board to assess and treat Imran. It also ordered that Dr Uzma and Imran’s personal physician be present during his medical assessment and treatment, with his family to bear the expenses.
Authorities were directed to transfer Imran to the hospital under tight security and complete the necessary arrangements within two days. The court stressed that law and order outside the hospital must not be affected during his stay.
According to the written order, the board shall comprise a physician, a general surgeon, a specialist in internal medicine, an eye specialist and a cardiologist, in consultation and coordination with the management of Shifa International Hospital.
The court also ordered that Dr Faisal Sultan and Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, be permitted to remain associated with his medical examination and treatment.
The necessary expenses relating to treatment and facilities provided by Shifa International Hospital will be borne by Imran or his family members, the order stated.
The bench ordered that Imran remain at Shifa International Hospital until the next hearing on September 16 and directed that his medical report not be used for political purposes.
The court warned that any violation of its directions could result in the withdrawal of facilities being provided to the PTI founder.
