Preparations at Shifa International Hospital finalised for possible arrival of PTI founder Imran Khan: sources

Preparations at Shifa International Hospital finalised for feasible arrival of PTI founder Imran Khan: sources.

Key points

• In a post on X, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram wrote, "Imran Khan sahab will, Insha'Allah, be transferred to the hospital today."
• The last confirmed session of the PTI founder was with Dr Uzma on Dec 2, 2025.
• On Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed the administration to shift the jailed ex-premier to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within the next two days.
• Additionally on Tuesday, Noreen was granted a gathering with Imran Khan for the first time this year, being sent by the police to Gate no.

Preparations at Shifa International Hospital finalised for feasible arrival of PTI founder Imran Khan: sources. Munawer Azeem Published August 20, 2026 Updated August 20, 2026 10: 52pm. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

ISLAMABAD: Preparations have been finalised at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad to receive incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan for medical treatment in line with the Supreme Court's order, Dawn has learnt.

Imran – imprisoned since Aug 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts – is serving a 14-year sentence at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail in a £190 million corruption case, additionally known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Nevertheless, his health has deteriorated over the course of his prison sentence, prompting outcry from members of the party.

Sources close to the development remarked all relevant departments and authorities, including the capital administration, police, jail office-holders and Rangers, were present at the hospital to finalise security and other arrangements.

While a security audit of the hospital was additionally conducted earlier in view of the feasible transfer of the former premier there, security pickets have been set up on roads leading to the facility.

As a decision was yet to be produced, the sources further remarked it had not yet been confirmed when Imran would be brought to the hospital. Nevertheless, arrangements were being produced to accord with any situation that might arise.

Teams have additionally been constituted to bring Imran to the hospital from jail, comprising staff from the capital police and administration.

After which they would take him back to prison, the sources continued that the capital police were responsible for transferring the PTI founder from jail for a medical check-up and examination.

In case of his admission to the hospital for treatment, the chief commissioner would declare the relevant room, ward or floor of the hospital a sub-jail and matter a notification. Staff from Adiala jail would be deployed at the hospital.

Meanwhile, capital police and Rangers personnel would additionally be present there to provide security and maintain law and order.

"We are fully aware of the sentiments of Imran Khan's supporters, who are eager to catch a glimpse of their leader."

Nevertheless, he requested that residents maintain their distance from the hospital and support ensure the party founder's health and treatment.

Headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, a three-member Supreme Court bench, additionally comprising Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Ishtiaq Ibrahim, issued the ruling on a number of petitions seeking Imran's hospitalisation as well as meetings with his family members in a packed courtroom No 3.

"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, " remarked the order authored by Justice Waheed.

"A prisoner does not, by reason of his incarceration, cease to be entitled to humane treatment and necessary medical care, " the order remarked, adding that, as an interim arrangement and without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties, the court was inclined to problem the directions. It would be complied with by the respondents, including the administration, its officers and agencies, in letter and spirit until the next date of hearing.

As well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, among others, the court proceedings were additionally attended by the PTI founder's sisters, namely Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan.

Additionally on Tuesday, Noreen was granted a gathering with Imran Khan for the first time this year, being sent by the police to Gate no. 5 upon her arrival.

According to Jail sources, the two met in the jail's conference room, where they discussed his health and other matters. Noreen additionally informed the ex-premier concerning the SC's earlier order to have him taken to Shifa International Hospital for a medical checkup, they continued.

Upon exiting the jail, Noreen refused to speak to the media: when questioned, she signalled her silence with a finger to her lips. The three sisters left the jail upon the conclusion of the session.

PTI lawyer Advocate Awais Younas Chaudhry had informed Dawn that she would not speak to the press.

For context, the last confirmed session of the PTI founder was with Dr Uzma on Dec 2, 2025. After this session, Uzma had stated that while Imran's health was fine, he was suffering from "mental torture" and was kept in isolation.

For context, the ex-premier had additionally previously met with Noreen on Nov 4 last year.

On Wednesday, the administration filed a petition in the SC, seeking a review and recall of its order to move Imran to the hospital for treatment.

Notably, the government's review petition, filed by Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik on behalf of the federal capital's chief commissioner a day after the SC's ruling, termed the interim order "discriminatory".

According to The petition, the order was "in excess of jurisdiction" and, therefore, "liable to be reviewed".

Meanwhile, the administration and the opposition have been engaged in a blame game, with the latter accusing the former of a lack of transparency in not ensuring appropriate treatment for Imran, and not allowing his personal physicians access to him. The administration denies these allegations.

Meanwhile, the PTI founder's eye ailment – right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) – came to light in late January and received government-provided treatment.

His party and family members have repeatedly voiced serious reservations concerning his declining health and demanded his immediate transfer to the hospital for treatment.

For now, preparations at Shifa International Hospital finalised for possible arrival of PTI founder remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.