Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred to a hospital in Islamabad early on Friday (August 21, 2026) for medical examination, his party said, fulfilling a long-standing demand by supporters who say his health has deteriorated during more than three years in prison.
“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following Supreme Court order,” Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said in a text message to journalists.
His lawyers say his health has deteriorated in prison and that he has lost significant vision in his right eye. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023.
The government has said medical reports disclosed no condition requiring immediate treatment. In an interview with Reuters , PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari called the ruling a “new ray of hope” but said the party would proceed with a nationwide march on September 27 to demand access to Khan, speedy hearings in his cases and his release. He says the cases against him are politically motivated, an accusation the government denies. Earlier reporting noted: Pak May Allow Imran Khan’s Treatment At Private Hospital: Cabinet Minister Pak May Allow Imran Khan’s Treatment At Private Hospital: Cabinet Minister Pak May Allow Imran Khan’s Treatment At Private Hospital: Cabinet Minister Earlier reporting noted: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government had approached the Supreme Court to seek clarification on whether the medical relief granted to Khan applied only to the former premier or could be extended to other prisoners. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government had approached the Supreme Court to seek clarification on whether the medical relief granted to Khan applied only to the former premier or could be extended to other prisoners. Earlier reporting noted: A senior Pakistani Cabinet minister said Thursday the government could consider allowing imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to receive treatment at a private hospital or abroad if adequate care is unavailable at a government facility, while pledging to comply with a Supreme Court order on Khan’s treatment.
