Supreme Court Orders Imran Khan’s Transfer to Shifa Hospital

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The court directed that he remain at the hospital until the next hearing, with authorities instructed to ensure tight security and maintain law and order around the facility.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, was hearing petitions concerning Imran Khan’s medical treatment and meetings with his family.

The court also ordered the authorities to establish a medical board for the PTI founder and directed that his complete medical records be submitted before the next hearing. Justice Shahid Waheed questioned why the court had been provided only a summary rather than the full medical documentation.

During the proceedings, the bench raised concerns about the information contained in the medical reports. Justice Shahid Waheed observed that the reports indicated abnormalities involving Khan’s pulse and heart and said they suggested that his vital organs were being affected.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also questioned whether the angiography mentioned in the medical report could be performed while Khan remained in jail. The Islamabad Advocate General replied that the procedure could be conducted outside the prison.

The court’s order follows concerns raised by Khan’s legal team and family regarding his health and their request that he receive a comprehensive examination at Shifa International Hospital. A report previously submitted by Adiala Jail authorities had said that Khan’s eye condition had improved significantly and that his vision had returned to almost normal.

Court Questions Restrictions on Family Meetings

The bench also examined the issue of meetings between Imran Khan and his sisters. The Islamabad Advocate General told the court that 48 meetings had taken place between the sisters and the PTI founder over three years.

The Supreme Court sought complete records of those meetings, along with details of Imran Khan’s interactions with his children.

Justice Shahid Waheed questioned the restrictions on family meetings, while Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan observed that political considerations should not be brought into the former prime minister’s medical treatment.

PTI lawyer Uzair Bhandari requested that Imran Khan be allowed to meet his sisters and personal doctors. He specifically sought access for Dr Uzma Khan and personal physician Dr Asim Yousuf.

The court questioned the qualifications and medical specialties of the proposed doctors. Bhandari clarified that Dr Uzma Khan is a medical doctor, while Dr Asim Yousuf is a gastroenterologist.

Justice Shahid Waheed noted that the medical report did not indicate that Imran Khan was suffering from a gastrointestinal problem and observed that no petitioner had challenged the qualifications of the doctors who had already examined him.

Court Seeks Explanation Over Meeting Order

The bench also questioned the alleged violation of an Islamabad High Court order concerning meetings with Imran Khan.

The Advocate General maintained that an assurance given regarding media interaction after meetings had been violated and that the matter was already being heard by the Islamabad High Court.

Barrister Salman Akram Raja responded that if the assurance had been breached, the responsibility for that assurance was his and questioned why other lawyers or family members should be held responsible.

Justice Shahid Waheed observed that contempt proceedings could potentially involve those responsible for violating court directions.

The Supreme Court directed the PTI and Imran Khan’s family to provide an affidavit assuring that no media interaction would take place after meetings.

Court Seeks Details of Imran Khan’s Cases

The bench also sought comprehensive information regarding Imran Khan’s legal status, including the number of cases in which he is currently an undertrial prisoner, the cases in which he has been convicted and details of sentences that have been suspended.

The court additionally directed Adiala Jail authorities to provide records of meetings held with the PTI founder over the past three years and asked them to explain why an Islamabad High Court directive had allegedly not been followed.

The hearing highlighted the continuing dispute over Imran Khan’s medical treatment, access to family members and the conditions governing his meetings while in custody. The Supreme Court’s latest order now requires his transfer to Shifa International Hospital under enhanced security while the court continues examining the matter.