Islamabad, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s government is set to seek a review of the Supreme Court’s order concerning the transfer of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Wednesday.
Tarar said the government believed the order went beyond the legal framework governing medical facilities available to convicted prisoners, according to local media reports.
“After reviewing the law, the authorities are of the view that this order does not fall within the legal parameters governing the facilities that can be provided to a convicted person in jail,” Tarar was quoted as saying in a video statement by Express Tribune.
According to the report, consultations were held on certain aspects of the Supreme Court order involving prison authorities and the Islamabad administration. Particular attention was given to the court’s direction that Khan undergo a medical examination at Shifa International Hospital.
Tarar said the government would seek an appropriate modification of the order to allow Khan to be examined at a tertiary-care government hospital. He added that medical experts or specialists from other major institutions could be included in the medical board in accordance with the court’s directions or as deemed appropriate by the court.
The minister said the law provides for the formation of a medical board to determine whether a prisoner’s treatment should be conducted inside or outside the jail.
“If prisoners are taken to private hospitals for such medical check-ups, there are thousands of prisoners across Pakistan facing various complications and illnesses,” he said.
The government’s move follows Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling, in which the court expressed concern over the reported deterioration in Khan’s health.
“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,” the court said in its ruling.
Meanwhile, Pakistani newspaper Dawn, in an editorial published on Wednesday, said reports about Khan’s health indicated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader appeared to have suffered from one ailment or another for several months, while his jail authorities had repeatedly denied that he was unwell.
The editorial also criticised the treatment of former political leaders in custody, arguing that the state should ensure that political rivals are not subjected to poor treatment.
Khan, the founder of PTI and a former Pakistan Prime Minister, remains incarcerated as the legal and political dispute over his detention and medical treatment continues.
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