Pakistan’s Supreme Court has made a major decision. It has ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be shifted from jail to a hospital. This news broke on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. His party, PTI, confirmed the order right away. Fans and supporters across Pakistan are talking about this update. Here is what happened, in simple words.
What Did The Supreme Court Say?
A three-judge bench heard the case. The judges are Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. They looked at Imran Khan’s health reports. The reports showed his pulse and heart were not normal. The court felt this was a serious matter.
So, the court gave a clear and easy order. Imran Khan must be moved to Shifa International Hospital. This has to happen within 48 hours. He will stay there under tight security until doctors are fully satisfied with his health.
The court also asked for a medical board. This board will check Khan’s full health condition. It will also guide his treatment plan. The judges want a simple and honest process. No hidden reports. No shortcuts.
Why Was This Order Needed?
Imran Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023. He was convicted in several cases. Khan and his party say these cases were political. He has always denied any wrongdoing.
Over the past year, his family raised many health concerns. His lawyers said he lost a lot of vision in his right eye. A recent jail report added more worry. It showed his blood pressure was high. Doctors had also suggested an angiography test for his heart.
PTI leaders felt this could not wait any longer. So they moved court and asked for urgent hospital care.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Person | Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan |
| Age | 73 years |
| Jail | Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi |
| New Location | Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad |
| Court | Supreme Court of Pakistan |
| Time Limit For Transfer | 48 hours |
| Health Issues Raised | High blood pressure, heart concerns, eye vision loss |
| Party | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) |
What Did PTI Say?
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the court order. He said it was a good and simple step in the right direction. However, he also felt it came late. He noted that Khan’s eye and general health had already worsened by the time this order came.
Bukhari added that Khan should stay in the hospital until doctors are fully happy with his recovery. This shows the party wants a proper and complete treatment, not a quick fix.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had also spoken earlier this week. He told reporters that Khan’s high blood pressure had been confirmed. He said every Pakistani wants Khan to get the best care possible. He mentioned that the party has gone to the Islamabad High Court many times and to the Supreme Court many times too. This shows how long this legal fight has been going on.
The Medical Background
This is not the first time courts have looked into Khan’s health. Back in February 2026, the Supreme Court had ordered a medical board to check his eyes. That came after reports of vision loss.
Later, in December 2025, Khan had also asked the Islamabad High Court for permission to get medical tests done. He wanted regular check-ups outside the jail. So this new order is part of a longer story about his health while in custody.
The recent jail report, submitted just a day before this hearing, flagged his blood pressure as high. It also suggested more visits from his family. Doctors believe more family time can help lower his stress and anxiety levels.
Family Meetings Also Discussed
The court did not only talk about hospital care. It also spoke about Khan’s meetings with family members. The judges called this a basic right. They questioned why earlier High Court orders on this topic were not followed.
The government’s lawyer said that any rule about Khan’s custody or health will follow the law and court orders. The court has asked for weekly family meetings to be arranged going forward.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has asked for Khan’s complete medical file. Not just a summary, but the full record. Once this file reaches the court, it will become part of the public case record.
The judges want a simple and transparent process from here. The next hearing will look closely at this medical file and the medical board’s report. Security teams have also been told to make sure the area outside the hospital stays peaceful and orderly.
This case shows how a legal and medical issue has turned into a big national talking point in Pakistan. People are watching closely to see how Khan’s treatment goes and what the court decides next.
For more background on this case, readers can check reports from The Express Tribune and Dunya News.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Imran Khan moved to hospital?
The Supreme Court ordered his transfer after reports showed high blood pressure and heart issues.
2. Which hospital is Imran Khan being shifted to?
He is being moved to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
3. How long will Imran Khan stay in the hospital?
He will stay until his medical board and doctors are fully satisfied with his health.
4. Why has Imran Khan been in jail?
He has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases, which he says were political.
