By Editorial team
Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has been transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital under tight security.
Before Imran Khan’s transfer, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP), accompanied by senior police officers, visited the hospital and reviewed the security arrangements.
Strict security measures have been implemented outside Shifa International Hospital, with a heavy contingent of police personnel deployed around the facility.
security arrangements
Continued from the previous
Islamabad police have closed several routes leading toward the hospital, while extensive security arrangements are being made outside the facility. A large number of media personnel are also present there.
Supreme Court Ordered Hospital Transfer
The Supreme Court had ordered two days ago that Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital before midnight on Thursday for medical treatment.
The PTI has indicated that it will approach the Supreme Court again if the government fails to implement the court’s order within the specified deadline.
Imran Khan shifted to Shifa Hospital pic.twitter.com/gRmbS51zjm
— Urdu Report (@UrduReportpk) August 20, 2026
PTI Warns of Legal Action
PTI leader Zulfiqar Bukhari warned that the party would approach the Supreme Court on Friday if Imran Khan was not transferred to Shifa International Hospital by 11:59pm Thursday.
In a statement posted on X, Bukhari said the court had ordered Khan’s transfer within two days, but the directive had still not been implemented.
He said the Supreme Court could initiate contempt proceedings if the order was ignored, adding that PTI’s legal team had already prepared a petition for filing.
Government Review Petition Returned
The Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the government’s review petition against Imran Khan’s hospital transfer after raising objections.
The government had filed the review petition on Wednesday, challenging the court’s August 18 interim order directing Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Government Plans to Refile Petition
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government would address the objections and submit the review petition again.
The petition was filed by Islamabad Chief Commissioner through the Islamabad Advocate General, arguing that the Supreme Court’s order exceeded its jurisdiction.
The government requested that the court reconsider and review its decision regarding Khan’s transfer.
Health Concerns Behind Transfer
The Supreme Court’s decision followed long-standing demands from Khan’s family and supporters concerning his deteriorating health and vision.
The 73-year-old former prime minister has been imprisoned since August 2023. Earlier this year, doctors diagnosed him with a retinal condition affecting his right eye.
His lawyers have warned that the condition could potentially cause permanent damage to his eyesight without appropriate medical treatment.
PTI Demands Treatment by Selected Doctors
The PTI has repeatedly demanded that Khan receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital under doctors of his own choice.
PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja expressed confidence on Wednesday that the government would comply with the Supreme Court’s directive.
Speaking to News reporter, Raja said filing a review petition would not suspend or change the Supreme Court’s existing order.
He maintained that the government remained legally bound to implement the court’s directive and warned that failure to comply could constitute contempt of court.
