Imran Khan underwent a medical check-up at PIMS before being returned to Adiala jail, where he was declared medically fit by doctors.
Islamabad, Pakistan Aug 21, 2026 ALN: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday that PTI founder Imran Khan underwent a medical check-up at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) before being shifted back to Adiala jail, where he was declared "medically fit".
The information minister’s initial statement did not specify the hospital where Imran was taken. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed the government to transfer Imran to Shifa International Hospital, a private institution. Media reports indicated that he was taken to this private facility amid tight security.
However, Tarar clarified that Imran was actually taken to PIMS, a government-run facility where he has received treatment for an eye ailment in recent months.
In a post on X, the information minister stated, "In light of the Supreme Court’s order, the prisoner was taken to the hospital under appropriate security arrangements during the night between August 20 and 21."
"A team of qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, and a physician, conducted a detailed examination and declared him medically fit," he added, noting that Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, was present during the examination.
After the examination, he was returned to Adiala jail on the morning of August 21 around 5 AM. Tarar mentioned that the medical examination at PIMS also included doctors from Al Shifa Hospital.
Due to security concerns raised by PTI workers outside Al Shifa Hospital, he was taken to PIMS, where he was found to be healthy according to the medical examination.
Shifa International Hospital is located in Islamabad’s Sector H-8, which also houses several educational institutes and government offices. Visuals from outside the hospital on Thursday night showed that both Pitras Bukhari Road and Service Road South had been cordoned off, with a significant presence of law enforcement personnel.
The last time such extraordinary security arrangements were observed in the vicinity was during the Panamagate proceedings against former PM Nawaz Sharif, which took place at the Federal Judicial Academy, located nearby.
Imran has been imprisoned since August 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts and is serving a 14-year sentence in a £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. His health has reportedly deteriorated during his imprisonment, prompting concerns from party members.
There was tight security around Shifa International Hospital for Imran’s visit on Thursday night. Security pickets were set up on roads leading to the hospital, and around 800 personnel were deployed in and around the premises following a security audit.
The Islamabad police chief, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited the hospital twice to oversee preparations. A security order issued by the Islamabad Police mandated the deployment of 800 personnel from various law enforcement branches in the area.
The personnel were tasked with four objectives: protecting the “life, property and dignity of citizens”; ensuring “security against terrorist acts”; maintaining public order; and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Separately, the PTI urged supporters to maintain their distance during the hospital visit. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram posted on X, "Imran Khan sahab will, Insha’Allah, be transferred to the hospital today. We are fully aware of the sentiments of Imran Khan’s supporters, who are eager to catch a glimpse of their leader." However, he requested that people maintain distance to ensure the party founder’s health and treatment.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed the government to transfer the jailed ex-premier to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days.
Headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, a three-member SC bench issued the ruling on several petitions seeking Imran’s hospitalization and family meetings in a packed courtroom.
"We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation of the state, and consequently of the Supreme Court, to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of persons in custody," stated the order authored by Justice Waheed.
"A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care," it added, emphasizing the need for compliance until the next hearing.
The court proceedings were attended by Imran’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Dr. Uzma Khan, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Noreen was granted a meeting with Imran for the first time this year, where they discussed his health and other issues. Upon exiting the jail, Noreen declined to speak to the media, signaling her silence with a finger to her lips.
The last confirmed meeting of the PTI founder was with Dr. Uzma on December 2, 2025. Following that meeting, Uzma reported that while Imran’s health was fine, he was suffering from “mental torture” and was kept in isolation.
On Wednesday, the government filed a petition in the SC seeking a review and recall of its order to move Imran to the hospital for treatment. The review petition termed the interim order “discriminatory” and claimed it was “in excess of jurisdiction.” However, on Thursday, the apex court returned the review petition against its August 18 order due to incomplete paperwork.
The SC’s ruling followed a report submitted by the superintendent of Adiala jail regarding Imran’s health condition. The report stated that adequate healthcare facilities were being provided to him and his wife, with their health prioritized. Medical officers visit Imran thrice daily to check his meals and record his blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.
However, an annexure to the report noted that Dr. Akhtar Ali Bandeshah of PIMS examined him on August 1 and recorded complaints of uncontrolled and fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headache, and restlessness. Imran attributed his symptoms partly to infrequent meetings with his wife and family, as well as the absence of newspapers and TV.
The doctor recommended measures to reduce mental stress, including more frequent meetings with his wife and access to reading material. He also suggested a CT coronary angiography and an increase in blood pressure medication, noting that the 74-year-old PTI leader faced a risk of complications.
On August 10, a medical board from PIMS examined him after he complained of heaviness in the head and palpitations. They recommended a one-hour daily walk and relaxation in his prison routine, along with access to newspapers, magazines, television, and books.
The board also suggested more frequent interaction with immediate family members, stating this could help control his anxiety and blood pressure. The report cited his treatment for an eye condition at PIMS, confirming that his vision had nearly returned to normal after intervention by senior ophthalmologists.
The ongoing political situation has led to a blame game between the government and the opposition, with the latter accusing the former of a lack of transparency regarding Imran’s treatment and denying access to his personal physicians. The government has denied these allegations.
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