August 20, 2026
By Hashir Ahsan
Islamabad
The federal government’s review appeal against the decision to transfer Imran Khan to the hospital was returned after objections were raised, following its submission to the Supreme Court the previous day.
The government enjoys the silent support of its coalition allies in filing the appeal, with key partner parties like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) describing the review petition as a ‘legal necessity’.
The petition was filed by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad through the Advocate General of Islamabad, contending that the Supreme Court’s interim order on August 18 instructing the transfer of the PTI founder to Shifa International Hospital exceeded the court’s jurisdiction and should be reviewed.
Coalition leaders aligned with the government on the legal aspects, with PPP Senator Shahadat Awan noting that Rana Sanaullah stated the court’s decision is respected, while Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the review pertains to transferring a prisoner to a private versus a public hospital.
Senator Awan emphasized that the government believes all necessary facilities can be provided in a government hospital, adding that filing the review appeal was a legal requirement to prevent creating a precedent where any prisoner demands private hospital care.
MQM leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan remarked that filing a review petition demonstrates respect for judicial process, stressing that parties should not celebrate favorable decisions while criticizing the judiciary when outcomes differ. On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar responded to the government’s review appeal by stating that reaching this decision took a long time and effort, urging both sides not to sabotage it.
He noted that while the appeal was filed, it had not been assigned a number yet, expressing hope that the ruling would still be implemented word for word. Barrister Gohar also requested PTI social media activists to avoid posts that could negatively impact the outcome, stating that the founder’s health is the top priority and should not be politicized, while appealing to the government and authorities to let the ruling be executed.
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Senator Abid Sher Ali maintained that the government has always respected court orders, adding that the review was filed by NAB and other institutions following the standard principle of pursuing legal avenues to the fullest extent, and Tahira Aurangzeb affirmed her support for Azam Nazeer Tarar’s position.
The Supreme Court had issued the decision on Tuesday following a petition filed by Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma, directing that prisoner Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital Islamabad within two days and that a medical board comprising Shifa International Hospital doctors including a physician, general surgeon, internal medicine specialist, eye specialist, and cardiologist be formed for his examination and treatment.
The court allowed Dr. Faisal Sultan and the prisoner’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, to participate in the examination and treatment process, while specifying that all medical and facility expenses at the hospital must be borne by the prisoner or his family.
Additionally, the court ordered that Imran Khan be allowed family visits once a week, telephonic conversations with his sons twice a week, and required the presentation of his entire medical record and test reports since his arrest.
The court also requested details through the Advocate General regarding all meetings held with family and lawyers over the past three months, alongside complete details of all cases, arrests, pending trials, and sentences against Imran Khan, while issuing notices to all parties on contempt of court appeals to appear in person and submit written replies before scheduling the next hearing for September 16, 2026.