Supreme Court Returns Government Plea Against Imran Khan Hospital Transfer

Health11 sourcesAug 20, 2026

6 placedFactual rigor 53/100

The Story

The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan returned a review petition filed by the federal government challenging its August 18 order to shift incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.

The SC registrar's office cited incomplete paper books as the reason for returning the petition on Thursday. An informed source told Dawn that the review petition may be filed afresh with amendments. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated the state had withdrawn its review petition after the court's objections and demanded Khan's immediate transfer.

The government had filed the review petition on Wednesday, terming the order discriminatory and in excess of jurisdiction, arguing it violated Pakistan Prison Rules. The petition cited Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978, which governs prisoner transfers to hospitals. The SC had previously allowed Khan's personal physician and sister to remain associated with his medical care and directed authorities to facilitate regular family contact. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases.

What they agree on

The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
The Pakistani government filed a review petition against the SC order.
The SC returned the government's review petition.
The government cited the order as discriminatory and in violation of prison rules.
Imran Khan is incarcerated and has been convicted in corruption cases.

Where they split

Some sources detail the specific legal arguments made by the government in its review petition, referencing Rule 197 of the Pakistan Prison Rules.
Other sources focus on the reaction from Imran Khan's party, PTI, and their demand for immediate compliance with the SC order.
Coverage varies on the reasons for the government's challenge, with some emphasizing legal grounds and others suggesting potential political motivations or "secret deals."