Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan was moved from Adiala Jail during the night following a Supreme Court order concerning his medical examination and treatment. However, instead of being examined at Shifa International Hospital, the facility named in the court order, Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and returned to Adiala Jail a few hours later.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Khan was taken to PIMS during the night of August 20–21 under appropriate security arrangements. According to the government, security concerns around the route to and outside Shifa International Hospital prompted authorities to change the location of the examination.

Tarar said a team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician, conducted a detailed medical examination and declared Khan medically fit. His sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was present during the medical examination, according to the minister. Khan was subsequently taken back to Adiala Jail at approximately 5 a.m.

What did the Supreme Court order?

The development followed a Supreme Court order issued on August 18, 2026.

A three-member bench directed authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examination and treatment. The order also provided for a medical panel that included Khan's personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan.

Reports on the order said Khan was to remain under medical supervision until September 16, while the court also directed arrangements concerning family meetings and telephone contact with his sons.

Government challenged the hospital order

The federal government subsequently challenged the Supreme Court's order, arguing that directing the transfer of a convicted prisoner to a private hospital could create a precedent and disrupt the existing prison and medical system.

The Supreme Court registrar's office, however, returned the government's review petition on August 20, citing incomplete paper books. The government may refile the petition after addressing the objections.

Why was Khan taken to PIMS?

The government's explanation is that a security situation developed around Shifa International Hospital and along the planned route because of the presence of PTI supporters.

Tarar said the decision to use PIMS was therefore taken because of security concerns. The government maintains that the medical examination was nevertheless carried out by qualified specialists and that Khan was found medically fit.

The confusion was heightened because several initial reports said Khan had been taken to Shifa International Hospital. Security personnel had indeed been deployed around Shifa and preparations had been made for his arrival, leading early reports to identify Shifa as the destination. The government later clarified that the actual medical examination took place at PIMS.

Family and PTI challenge government's account

Khan's family and PTI have rejected the government's explanation.

His personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, said he was waiting at Shifa International Hospital for Khan but the former premier never arrived there. He later learned that Khan had been returned to Adiala Jail.

PTI has accused the government of failing to comply with the Supreme Court's directions, particularly because Khan was examined at PIMS rather than Shifa and his personal physician was not present for the examination. The party has indicated that it may approach the courts over the issue.

What did Dr Uzma Khan say?

Dr Uzma Khan said she was present with her brother at PIMS during the examination. She said Khan complained about his treatment in prison and the effects of prolonged isolation. She also said his eye was examined and treatment was administered.

The government, however, says the medical team conducted a detailed examination and found him medically fit to return to prison.

What happens next?

The central legal question is now whether the medical examination at PIMS constitutes compliance with the Supreme Court's order, which specifically named Shifa International Hospital and provided for the involvement of Khan's personal physician.

The government says security circumstances required a change of venue and that qualified doctors conducted a comprehensive examination. PTI and Khan's family argue that the change of hospital and the absence of his personal physician amounted to non-compliance with the court's directions.

The dispute could now return to the courts.