Imran Khan Federal Government Challenges Supreme Court Hospital Transfer Order

The federal government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its interim order directing the transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.

The Islamabad chief commissioner filed the petition through the Islamabad advocate general. The government has sought a review of the court’s August 18 interim order.

The petition argues that the direction to transfer Imran Khan to a private hospital went beyond the court’s jurisdiction and therefore requires reconsideration.

Government Cites Prison Rules

According to the petition, an additional sessions judge sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison on August 5, 2023. He later challenged the conviction before the Islamabad High Court.

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During the proceedings, Imran Khan sought permission under Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure to receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital.

The Islamabad High Court rejected the request on March 12, 2026. Imran Khan subsequently appealed the decision before the Supreme Court.

The federal government contends that the law requires approval from the relevant authorities and action through the Inspector General of Prisons when a prisoner needs treatment outside jail.

It further maintains that authorities must keep prisoners under police supervision when they move them to a hospital.

The petition also cites Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978, which sets out the procedure for transferring prisoners from jail to hospitals.

Government Questions Interim Order

The government has also referred to Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process.

According to the petition, the matter came before the Supreme Court for the first time and the court did not issue proper notices to the relevant parties before passing the interim order.

The government also stated that doctors had regularly examined Imran Khan during his imprisonment. Medical boards had provided treatment and assessments on several occasions, it added.

The petition argues that the Supreme Court should have sought medical experts’ opinions before determining whether Imran Khan’s health had deteriorated sufficiently to require treatment at a private hospital.

Government Seeks Withdrawal of Transfer Direction

The federal government has asked the Supreme Court to review its August 18 interim order and withdraw the direction requiring Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital.

The review petition now places the issue of the former prime minister’s medical treatment and prison-transfer procedure before the Supreme Court for further consideration.