Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan taken to private hospital for medical treatment

Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefly transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical check-up in the early hours of Friday, August 21, 2026. This move followed a Supreme Court order issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, which directed authorities to shift Khan to a private hospital within 48 hours amidst persistent concerns regarding his deteriorating health.

Khan's family and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had consistently raised alarms about his health condition, particularly his eyesight, and had been advocating for access to specialized medical care for several months. The Supreme Court's directive also mandated the formation of a medical board, which was to include Khan's personal physician, and allowed for family visits.

Following the medical examination at the private facility, Imran Khan was subsequently returned to Adiala jail. Security measures were heightened around Shifa International Hospital during his visit, and the PTI party had urged its supporters to refrain from gathering at the location.