Islamabad Commissioner Challenges ‘Discriminatory’ Order for Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer

The legal controversy over Imran Khan’s medical examination continues as the Islamabad chief commissioner has approached the Supreme Court, arguing the directive to move the PTI founder to a private hospital is “discriminatory.”

In a review petition filed under Article 188 of the Constitution, the commissioner contended that the August 18 order adversely affected their constitutional authority.

This development comes after a separate review petition from the federal government was returned by the Supreme Court Registrar's office on August 20. The registrar noted that the petition was not properly prepared and directed the government to resubmit it within two weeks after correcting the procedural errors.

The opposition's joint parliamentary party on Friday announced its decision to approach the Supreme Court, stating the government had committed contempt by not implementing the court's order to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, speaking to the media at Parliament House, said the government has until Saturday to comply with the order. He confirmed that the party would file a contempt of court petition if the transfer does not happen. "There is no reason why the Supreme Court's order should not be implemented today or by tomorrow," he stated.

The controversy was also raised on the floor of the National Assembly, where PTI MNA Shahid Khattak delivered a strong speech criticising the government's handling of the court-ordered medical examination.

Following his medical examination at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, provided an update on his condition. Speaking at a press conference, she stated that while her brother is physically fit with normal blood pressure, he is suffering from anxiety due to prolonged isolation in prison.

Dr. Uzma Khan said her brother repeatedly complained of being subjected to “great injustice” and severe hardship over the past 10 months. She claimed he has been kept without access to television or reading materials and expressed fears of being treated in a manner similar to Egypt's late former president, Mohamed Morsi, who died in detention.

She also alleged that no blood tests were conducted during the visit to PIMS. Following the checkup, Mr. Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail.

PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, has confirmed that he is medically fit after visiting him at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). According to reports on Thursday, August 21, Dr. Khan stated that the former prime minister's blood pressure was 120/80.

The health update comes as PTI continues to protest the government's decision to move Mr. Khan to PIMS instead of a private hospital as directed by the Supreme Court. The party's parliamentary members expressed anger over the move in a meeting, while leaders including Barrister Gohar and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas have reiterated that the government's action constitutes contempt of court.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced it will file a contempt of court petition against the government for not complying with a Supreme Court order regarding founder Imran Khan's medical examination.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed the petition would be filed on Friday, August 22. The move follows the government's decision to transfer Mr. Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a check-up, instead of a private hospital as directed by the court.

Following a meeting with his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, at the hospital, Mr. Khan reportedly compared his treatment to that of Egypt's late former president, Mohamed Morsi. Meanwhile, government minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reiterated that the decision to use PIMS was based on security concerns.

Reports also described supporters showering Mr. Khan's convoy with flower petals on the way to the hospital.

PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai has described the events surrounding Imran Khan's hospital transfer as a "drama".

The party's chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, questioned who was responsible for taking the PTI founder to PIMS instead of the court-ordered private hospital and announced that the party would "act against what happened".

The developments follow a strong reaction from PTI over the government's failure to implement the Supreme Court's order to transfer Mr. Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Friday that the Supreme Court's decision to transfer the party's founder, Imran Khan, to a hospital was mandatory and clear. Speaking to the media in Parliament, he stated that the move to take Mr. Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of the court-ordered private hospital was unexpected and unfortunate.

"The Supreme Court's decision was absolutely clear," Barrister Gohar said, adding that if there had been any ambiguity, a review could have been sought. He reiterated that transferring and keeping Mr. Khan at the specified hospital was a requirement under the court's ruling.

Dr Uzma Khan, sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, said on Friday that the PTI founder alleges he is being subjected to "severe mistreatment and torture" in solitary confinement. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, she said Mr. Khan had asked her to convey his message and compared his treatment to that of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, who died in custody.

Dr. Khan stated that her brother, citing doctors, complained of health complications arising from his confinement. She recounted being taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for his medical check-up the previous night, despite a court order for Shifa International Hospital. She said an injection was administered to his eye.

Separately, the government has filed a fresh review petition in the Supreme Court against its order to have Mr. Khan examined at a private hospital.

Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stated that the decision to move former prime minister Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of the previously designated Shifa International Hospital was made due to security concerns and the presence of an unusual crowd at Shifa.

The explanation comes amid questions from PTI leaders about the late-night transfer and the change of venue for the court-ordered medical examination. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also commented on the matter, stating that Mr. Khan's health should not be used for political purposes.

Following the government's announcement regarding Imran Khan's health, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan held a media talk questioning the handling of the former prime minister's medical examination.

The reaction came after Mr. Khan was returned to Adiala Jail following a court-ordered checkup at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has clarified that former prime minister Imran Khan's court-ordered medical examination was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, not a private hospital as some earlier reports had indicated.

The clarification came on Friday, August 21, after Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail. The PTI founder was declared medically fit by a team of doctors following the examination.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has confirmed that former prime minister Imran Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail at approximately 5 AM on Friday after a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

In a statement, Tarar said that a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared Khan medically fit. The minister also noted that Imran Khan's sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, was present throughout the medical assessment.

A panel of six doctors conducted a detailed medical examination of the PTI founder at Shifa International Hospital. According to reports, the medical team concluded that there was no immediate medical reason preventing him from remaining in custody. Following this assessment, he was transported back to Adiala Jail.

PTI founder Imran Khan was transferred back to Adiala Jail early on Friday after undergoing a court-ordered medical examination at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Jail sources confirmed Khan had been returned to his cell. The transfer to and from the hospital was conducted under tight security.

The Supreme Court had ordered the medical check-up on Thursday. Following the directive, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the Islamabad administration was responsible for handling the transfer arrangements.

PTI founder Imran Khan has been transferred back to Adiala Jail from Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, according to available reports on Friday.

The move follows a medical examination at the private hospital, which was ordered by the Supreme Court.

In a related development, a review petition filed by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, reportedly challenging the Supreme Court's order for Imran Khan's hospital transfer, was returned by the court's registrar office with objections.

Following his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, PTI founder Imran Khan has undergone an examination by a six-member medical team, according to available reports on Thursday night.

The former prime minister was moved from Adiala Jail to the private hospital in Islamabad under tight security, in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

As the convoy carrying former prime minister Imran Khan made its way from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital on Thursday, his supporters gathered along the route to welcome him. Reports and video footage showed crowds showering the streets with rose petals. In some areas, PTI workers celebrated the move with fireworks, dancing, and the distribution of sweets.

PTI founder Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad on Thursday night, August 20, under tight security. A medical board had examined Khan in jail prior to the move. The transfer took place in a convoy, complying with a Supreme Court order for his medical examination.

Authorities have finalised security and logistical arrangements for the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. Sources confirmed that security pickets have been established on roads leading to the hospital. An Islamabad Police squad has also arrived at Adiala Jail. According to the plan, should Khan be admitted for treatment, the relevant hospital room or ward will be declared a sub-jail, with staff from Adiala Jail deployed for his custody. Capital police and Rangers personnel will provide external security. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram urged party supporters to stay away from the hospital to avoid any disruption. The transfer is expected to take place by midnight on Thursday to comply with a Supreme Court order for Khan's medical examination.

The Federal Law Minister has announced a midnight deadline for the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Khan's personal doctors and his sister, Aleema Khan, have arrived at Adiala Jail, though reports indicate lawyers were denied permission to meet him.

At Shifa International Hospital, all roads have been closed, and special arrangements are in place. Hospital sources state a team of six specialist doctors will conduct an initial examination in the emergency department before deciding on admission. In a related development, PTI leader Sheikh Waqas has advised party workers to avoid gathering at the hospital.

Authorities on Thursday stepped up preparations for the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital, with security significantly tightened around Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

According to reports, the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Police arrived at the hospital, while media vehicles were removed from the vicinity. Security has been placed on high alert from Koral Chowk to Zero Point, indicating that Khan's transfer from Adiala Jail, in compliance with a Supreme Court order, could take place at any moment.

Following the passing of a Supreme Court deadline for Imran Khan's transfer to a hospital, the National Dialogue Committee has reportedly written to the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of Pakistan, urging them to ensure the PTI founder receives medical treatment. The move came amid conflicting reports on August 20, with some suggesting arrangements for the transfer were complete while others indicated no final decision had been made by the government.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has stated that PTI founder Imran Khan will be transferred to a hospital by midnight on Thursday. His comments came amid high-level discussions on the matter, including a key meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as a court-mandated deadline for the transfer expired.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a key meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as the government missed the Supreme Court's deadline to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital.

The meeting took place as the 48-hour deadline set by the court for the transfer from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad expired without compliance.

On Thursday, reports indicated that security was placed on high alert at and around Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, leading to speculation that preparations were underway for the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan. However, as of the latest available information, the transfer from Adiala jail had not taken place.

The 48-hour deadline set by the Supreme Court for the government to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital expired on Thursday without compliance. The government's review petition challenging the court's August 18 order was returned by the SC registrar's office, citing incomplete paperwork.

Legal experts have noted that filing a review petition does not automatically suspend the original court order. Following the delay, PTI leaders have stated they are considering filing a contempt of court petition against the government.

In a related development, one of Mr. Khan's lawyers, Khalid Yousaf, claimed that the Adiala jail administration refused to accept a power of attorney from the legal team.

Meanwhile, federal minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has stated that the Supreme Court's verdict will be fully implemented, though a timeline was not provided.

PTI leader Salman Akram Raja on Thursday claimed that the government has withdrawn its review petition against the Supreme Court's order to transfer party founder Imran Khan to a hospital for medical examination.

The claim comes after the Supreme Court Registrar's office had earlier returned the government's petition, which sought to challenge the court's August 18 directive to move Khan from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its intention to file a contempt of court petition if the government fails to implement the Supreme Court's order to transfer the party's founder, Imran Khan, to a hospital for medical treatment.

The development comes as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also commented on the matter, stating that every patient has the right to medical care, taking what his party described as a principled and humanitarian stance.

The federal government's review petition against the Supreme Court's order was based on the argument that the directive violated Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, and that the Islamabad Chief Commissioner had not been made a party to the proceedings. The petition was filed on Wednesday against the court's August 18 interim order.

However, the Supreme Court registrar's office returned the petition on Thursday, citing "incomplete paper books" as the reason. Sources indicate the petition may be refiled after the objections are addressed.

Reacting to the development, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated that there was now "no excuse whatsoever" for not complying with the court's order and demanded Imran Khan be transferred to the hospital immediately.

The Supreme Court Registrar's office has returned the federal government's review petition challenging the court's order to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital.

According to available reports, the petition was returned with objections, specifically that the accompanying paper books were incomplete. Sources indicate that the petition will be re-filed after the registrar's objections are addressed.

This development clarifies earlier reports that the government had withdrawn the petition.

The federal government has withdrawn its review petition from the Supreme Court that challenged an earlier order to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination, according to reports on Thursday, August 20.

The government had previously argued that the court's order was 'beyond its jurisdiction' and 'discriminatory'. The reasons for the withdrawal of the legal challenge have not yet been officially stated.

Some legal experts have reportedly voiced support for the federal government's position in challenging the Supreme Court's order for PTI founder Imran Khan's transfer to a private hospital, according to available reports.

The private facility at the center of the legal dispute over PTI founder Imran Khan's medical care has been identified as Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The government's review petition challenges a Supreme Court order to transfer him to this specific hospital for a medical examination.

In its legal challenge, the government is reportedly arguing that the Supreme Court's interim order for the transfer was "beyond its jurisdiction".

The debate over the medical treatment of incarcerated political figures has been highlighted by past precedents, as the government challenges a Supreme Court order for PTI founder Imran Khan. Previously, other prominent leaders have received medical care outside of prison facilities.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while serving a jail term in 2018, was moved from Adiala jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad due to cardiac complications. In 2019, he was granted permission to travel to London for medical treatment.

Similarly, former President Pervez Musharraf was taken to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in 2014. In 2016, he was permitted to travel to Dubai for medical reasons and remained there until his passing in 2023.

In response to the government's legal challenge, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has reportedly made sarcastic remarks regarding the federal government's review petition against the Supreme Court's order.

In its review petition filed in the Supreme Court, the federal government has argued that the order to transfer Imran Khan to a private hospital is “discriminatory” and was issued “in excess of jurisdiction”.

The plea, filed by Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik on behalf of the capital's chief commissioner, contends that the order contains “errors of law floating on the surface of the record”.

It specifically states that the court did not consider Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, which outlines the established procedure for transferring a prisoner to a hospital. The government's petition details this rule, explaining that it requires government orders through the police inspector general for such transfers, except in emergencies where the jail superintendent can act with immediate effect.

The government further argued that directing treatment at a private hospital, based on a report that did not indicate a need for immediate medical intervention, could “severely disturb the entire criminal justice system”.

The federal government has formally filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the court's August 18 interim order to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination. The petition was filed by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad through the Advocate General.

The petition argues that the Supreme Court's order exceeds its jurisdiction and requires review. It references that the Islamabad High Court had already rejected a similar request on March 12, 2026. The government's plea cites Pakistan Prison Rules 1978, stating that a clear legal procedure exists for transferring a prisoner to an external hospital, which involves government approval and police supervision.

The petition contends that the court should have considered expert medical opinion before issuing the directive. It requests the Supreme Court to review and withdraw its order for the hospital transfer.

The federal government has formally filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order to transfer PTI founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for a medical examination.

The petition was filed by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad through the Advocate General. It argues that the court's order to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital exceeds its jurisdiction and should be reviewed.

The federal government has decided to file a review appeal in the Supreme Court against its order concerning a private medical examination for PTI founder Imran Khan. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed the government's intention to approach the court on the matter.

The federal government is reportedly reviewing its decision to challenge a Supreme Court order regarding PTI founder Imran Khan's medical treatment at Shifa Hospital, according to available reports on August 19.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Information Minister, Shafi Jan, has questioned the federal government's decision to challenge the Supreme Court's order regarding the medical examination of PTI founder Imran Khan. In a statement, Jan described the court's decision as "based on justice" by an "independent judiciary" and questioned what objection the government could have to a ruling based on merit.

He affirmed that the assurances given to the court would be honoured. The minister also noted that a planned protest for September 27 remains on schedule, with the party leadership set to consult allies on the future course of action.