Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, 73, was transferred from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad late August 20 for a medical examination following a Supreme Court order issued on August 18 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The court mandated the transfer within 48 hours to allow a panel of medical specialists, including Khan’s personal physician and his sister Dr. Uzma Khan, to assess his health [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, both sentenced to 17 years in prison in late 2025 on multiple corruption charges, have maintained their innocence, alleging political motivation behind the convictions; the government denies these claims [1, 4, 5, 8]. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 [1, 2, 9, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8].
Concerns were raised by Khan’s lawyers and family over his deteriorating health, including reported loss of 85% vision in his right eye, which an eye specialist is currently treating [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8]. Former President Arif Alvi described Khan’s medical reports as "alarming" and emphasized the need for transparency about his condition [7].
Supporters gathered near Shifa International Hospital to show solidarity, with police deploying security forces and cordoning off roads to maintain order. Supporters expressed hope for Khan’s recovery; 69-year-old Younus Qureshi said he came "to support the man who has made so many sacrifices for Pakistan," while 52-year-old Bilal said, "We hope Mr Khan receives proper medical care. Our love and affiliation will remain with Mr Khan" [4, 5, 8].
Khan was returned to Adiala Jail on August 21 after several hours of medical examination overnight, as confirmed by hospital and prison officials [9, 7]. He is allowed weekly family visits and twice-weekly phone calls under the Supreme Court’s directive [4, 5, 8].
Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until he was removed in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 [1, 3, 4, 5, 8]. The next court hearing in his case is scheduled for September 16, 2026, with orders that he remain hospitalized at least until then [3].
