Former prime minister Imran Khan was taken from Adiala Jail to a hospital in Islamabad late on Tuesday for medical treatment and has been returned to prison, sources told Reuters on Wednesday.

Khan, who is held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, had an eye check-up at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the officials said. He had some blood pressure issues and was given the required treatment during the visit, the sources said.

Overnight hospital visit

Reuters reported on Wednesday 11 November that the 73-year-old former prime minister was taken to hospital late on Tuesday night and returned to prison afterwards. No official statement from the jail authorities or the hospital on the timing of the transfer was immediately available.

The visit came a day after the Islamabad High Court heard appeals filed by Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their convictions in the £190 million case. During that hearing, Khan's counsel told the court that his eyesight had improved but his blood pressure remained uncontrolled, at times rising above 190, creating a risk of a brain haemorrhage.

PTI files contempt petition over PIMS transfer

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a contempt of court petition against the government over the decision to take Khan to PIMS instead of Shifa International Hospital for his medical examination. The petition was filed by PTI lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Uzair Bhandari.

According to the petition, the party says the transfer breached the Supreme Court's order of 18 August 2026, which had directed that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital for a medical check-up and comprehensive medical assessment. The PTI has asked the Supreme Court to initiate contempt proceedings, issue show-cause notices and require those responsible to appear in person.

PIMS later issued a statement confirming that specialists from Shifa International Hospital had taken part in the examination of Khan's eyes, while PIMS specialists carried out the other medical assessments. The hospital said a medical board considered the findings before finalising a medical fitness report, and that it would not disclose the contents of the report, citing patient confidentiality and the Supreme Court's directions.

What the PTI is asking the court to do

A central demand in the petition is that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital at once and undergo the medical examination directed by the Supreme Court. The party has also asked the court to appoint a court officer or a local commission to oversee compliance with its order, so that implementation does not rest only on reports from government authorities.

Government representatives have said Khan is in good health following the examination. The PTI has continued to demand further medical attention and has objected to the manner in which the examination was conducted. The Supreme Court will now have to consider whether taking Khan to PIMS, rather than to Shifa International Hospital as specified in its earlier order, amounted to non-compliance.

Background

Khan, a former cricketer who became prime minister, has faced multiple corruption charges since he lost power in a no-confidence vote in 2022, and has been in prison for more than three years. His party describes the cases against him as politically motivated, a claim the government rejects.

Access to Khan and Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail has remained restricted, with meetings between them and their family and legal team becoming increasingly infrequent. Authorities have denied weekly meetings since December 2025, according to court reporting.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Imran Khan taken for treatment?
He was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad late on Tuesday 10 November for an eye check-up and treatment for blood pressure issues, and was then returned to Adiala Jail.

Why has the PTI gone to the Supreme Court?
The party says the Supreme Court's order of 18 August 2026 directed that Khan be examined at Shifa International Hospital, and that taking him to PIMS instead breached that order. It has filed a contempt petition seeking show-cause notices and a fresh direction for the examination at Shifa.

What happens next?
The Supreme Court will consider the petition and decide whether the government's handling of the hospital transfer complied with its order, and whether contempt proceedings should be initiated.

Sources: Reuters; Pak Souch.