Two Shifa Specialists Joined Imran Khan’s Eye Examination
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has confirmed that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Imran Khan’s eye examination after the former prime minister was brought to PIMS instead of Shifa.
According to a statement issued by the PIMS administration, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder was brought to the government hospital during the night between August 20 and August 21, 2026 for medical examination and treatment.
PIMS said two Shifa International Hospital specialists took part specifically in the ophthalmological assessment.
Other examinations were conducted by relevant specialists from PIMS.
The medical opinion obtained during the eye examination was considered alongside other investigations conducted at the hospital.
A medical board comprising PIMS doctors subsequently finalised Imran Khan’s medical fitness report.
However, the hospital administration declined to disclose the contents of the report.
PIMS said the medical findings would remain confidential because of patient privacy and directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The development has attracted political attention because the Supreme Court had specifically ordered authorities on August 18 to shift Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The court had directed that he be transferred within 48 hours and receive medical assessment under a panel that included specialists as well as his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan.
Instead, the former prime minister was taken to PIMS.
He remained there for several hours before being returned to Adiala Jail at around 5am on August 21.
Government Says Security Concerns Forced Hospital Change
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran Khan was taken to PIMS because of security concerns near Shifa International Hospital.
According to Tarar, PTI workers had gathered along the planned route and outside Shifa, creating what the government considered a difficult security situation.
The government therefore changed the hospital while arranging for Shifa doctors to participate in the examination at PIMS.
Tarar said a team including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician conducted a detailed examination.
He later announced that doctors had declared the PTI founder medically fit.
Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was also present during parts of the medical examination process.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also defended the decision.
He said the change in venue was caused by the unusual crowd and security situation outside Shifa.
Government officials maintain that the necessary diagnostic procedures and medical assessment were completed before Imran Khan was returned to prison.
The Supreme Court’s original order, however, had gone beyond a simple one-time medical check.
The court directed that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa for treatment for the following days.
It also ordered access for Dr Faisal Sultan and required a medical board including an eye specialist, physician and cardiologist.
His sister Dr Uzma was also to be associated with the board.
PTI Plans Contempt Case Over Alleged Violation of Supreme Court Order
PTI has strongly rejected the government’s handling of the hospital transfer.
Party leaders argue that taking Imran Khan to PIMS instead of Shifa and returning him to jail within hours amounted to a violation of the Supreme Court order.
PTI has announced plans to approach the Supreme Court with a contempt petition.
The party has also objected to the reported lack of access for Imran Khan’s personal physician during the hospital visit.
PTI maintains that the Supreme Court intended for the former prime minister to remain under medical supervision rather than undergo only a brief examination before returning to prison.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi accused the government of disregarding the Supreme Court’s instructions and called the move contempt of court.
PTI leaders have also indicated that preparations for a planned protest on September 27 are continuing.
Dr Uzma Khan, meanwhile, made serious allegations about her brother’s treatment in prison.
She said Imran Khan complained of repeated mistreatment and isolation while in custody.
The government has rejected allegations of medical neglect and mistreatment, saying prison and medical records do not support those claims.
The dispute has therefore moved beyond Imran Khan’s medical condition.
It now centres on whether the government fully complied with the Supreme Court’s instructions by taking him to PIMS instead of the specifically named private hospital.
PIMS has confirmed that Shifa specialists participated in his eye examination, but it has kept the final medical findings confidential.
With PTI preparing legal action and the Supreme Court proceedings still active, the handling of Imran Khan’s medical treatment is likely to remain a major political and legal issue.
