Pakistan moves SC to recall Imran Khan hospital transfer order

Lahore,UPDATED: Aug 19, 2026 18:04 IST

Senior leaders of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party on Wednesday criticised the federal government for moving the Supreme Court to review and recall its order to shift the jailed leader to a private hospital. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf accused the government of using delaying tactics instead of acting on the court's directive, which could bring relief to the 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician.

The criticism came a day after the Supreme Court ordered that Khan be moved to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad within the next two days and remain there until the next hearing on September 16. The court also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess his health and treat him, and allowed him one weekly meeting with his family during his stay at the hospital.

The court's directions followed months of concern raised by Khan's family and supporters over his health, along with repeated allegations that he was being denied adequate medical care. On Wednesday, the Pakistan government filed a petition in the top court seeking a review and recall of the order, arguing that it was "discriminatory".

In its review petition, the government said the order was "in excess of jurisdiction" and was therefore "liable to be reviewed". It also argued that the order "suffers from errors of law floating on the surface of the record" and that prison rules had escaped the apex court's attention in its ruling.

Reacting to the government's move, Moonis Elahi, a senior PTI leader, said in a post on X that the government was "obstructing" the implementation of the Supreme Court's order. "The Supreme Court should take suo motu (on its own) notice and ensure the enforcement of its order," he said.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said, "We strongly demand the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's order directing authorities to transfer incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad for urgent medical treatment." He urged the government to enforce the judicial order immediately "to lower political tensions".

Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Khan's party is in power, described the top court's decision as "commendable" and said he hoped it would be implemented as soon as possible. The dispute over Khan's transfer has now put the focus on whether the Supreme Court's order will be carried out while the review petition is taken up.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends