ISLAMABAD — August 22, 2026 — A sharp legal and political clash has erupted between opposition leadership and the federal government following the late-night medical evaluation of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed it is filing a formal contempt of court petition against key government and administration officials for alleged non-compliance with explicit Supreme Court orders.
The Supreme Court Mandate
The controversy stems from an order issued by a bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressing persistent health concerns raised by Imran Khan's family and defense counsel.
Following petitions regarding fluctuating blood pressure and restricted access to independent medical professionals, the court instructed law enforcement authorities to temporarily shift Khan from Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala Jail) to Shifa International Hospital—a private tertiary care facility in Islamabad—for a comprehensive health assessment.
Midnight Operation and Facility Substitution
Instead of executing the move to Shifa International Hospital as directed by the apex court, security personnel escorted Khan past midnight on August 21 to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
At PIMS, a state-appointed medical board consisting of a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and physician conducted an examination. Before daybreak at 5:00 AM, authorities returned Khan under heavy security escort to his cell at Adiala Jail.
Divergent Stances: State Defense vs. Contempt Allegations
The handling of the transfer has drawn contrasting responses from both sides of the political aisle:
The Government's Position: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Khan was taken to PIMS rather than Shifa International due to security concerns along the route. Officials stated that attending doctors declared Khan medically fit and stable, adding that Khan's sister Uzma Khan was present during the examination process.
PTI Legal & Political Response: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and party leadership decried the rerouting as an intentional violation of the Supreme Court's unambiguous directions. The legal team stressed that substituting the court-designated private facility and excluding Khan's personal physician violated judicial orders, forming the primary basis for their contempt of court filing.
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