Hospital First, Court Later? Imran Khan’s Sister Says Pakistan Ignored the Supreme Court

For months, the debate around Imran Khan's imprisonment has revolved around politics.

Now it is increasingly revolving around his health.

This week, Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered that the jailed former prime minister be transferred from Adiala Jail to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital, citing concerns raised by his family, lawyers and political party about his medical condition. But instead of remaining under treatment at the private hospital named by the court, Khan was briefly taken to a government-run facility, examined and returned to prison within hours.

The move has triggered a new legal confrontation between Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government.

His sister, Aleema Khan, has now filed a contempt petition, arguing that authorities failed to implement the Supreme Court's directions.

What Has Aleema Khan Alleged?

Aleema Khan's petition centres on a simple argument: the Supreme Court ordered one thing, but the government did another.

According to Reuters, the court had directed that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital and remain under medical supervision until mid-September, with access to a medical board that included his personal physician.

Instead, authorities took Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a state-run hospital in Islamabad, where he underwent examinations before being returned to Adiala Jail.

The contempt petition argues that this amounted to non-compliance with the court's order. Reuters reported that PTI has asked the court to hold senior government officials accountable for what it describes as a violation of judicial directions.

Why Did Pakistan's Supreme Court Order Hospitalisation?

The order followed growing concerns about Khan's health.

The 73-year-old former prime minister has been imprisoned since August 2023 and remains one of Pakistan's most influential political figures despite multiple convictions and ongoing legal battles.

His family and party have repeatedly alleged that his health has deteriorated in custody. Concerns raised publicly have included blood pressure issues, eye-related problems and restricted access to independent medical care. Reuters reported that the Supreme Court ordered his transfer after hearing arguments regarding his medical condition and welfare.

The court directed that he be moved within 48 hours and receive treatment under a panel that included specialists as well as his personal doctor.

Why Was Imran Khan Taken to a Different Hospital?

The Pakistani government says security concerns drove the decision.

Officials reportedly argued that moving Khan to a private hospital posed security challenges and that prisoners are ordinarily treated in public medical facilities. The government subsequently challenged the Supreme Court's order through a review petition.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has defended the government's position, saying authorities are not opposed to medical treatment for Khan but object to what they view as special arrangements not available to other prisoners.

What Are the Latest Allegations?

The controversy escalated further after Khan's brief hospital visit.

Following a meeting with her brother, Aleema Khan alleged that he had told family members he was being "repeatedly tortured" in prison. Similar claims have been reported before, citing statements made by his family.

The Pakistani government has strongly denied allegations of mistreatment.

According to the Associated Press, authorities say Khan receives regular medical check-ups, family visits, legal access and appropriate prison facilities. Officials have stated that recent examinations found no urgent health concerns requiring prolonged hospitalisation.

Why Does This Matter Beyond One Hospital Visit?

Because this is no longer just a medical dispute.

It has become a test of the relationship between Pakistan's judiciary, government and most prominent opposition leader.

If the Supreme Court finds that its order was ignored, the contempt proceedings could intensify an already bitter confrontation between PTI and the government. If the court accepts the government's security arguments, it could strengthen the state's position on how high-profile prisoners are treated.

Either way, the dispute arrives at a politically sensitive moment.

Imran Khan remains imprisoned, his party continues to challenge the cases against him, and his supporters are preparing for further political mobilisation in the weeks ahead. Reuters reports that the hospital controversy has already become a rallying point for PTI supporters and is likely to remain in the spotlight.

What Happens Next?

The next move belongs to Pakistan's Supreme Court.

The judges must now decide whether the government's actions complied with their original order or whether the allegations raised by Aleema Khan and PTI warrant contempt proceedings.

For now, Khan is back inside Adiala Jail.

But the battle over where he should be treated—and whether court orders were followed—has moved from the prison gates to the country's highest court.