ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Yahya Afridi, on Friday overturned the Supreme Court (SC) Registrar Office’s objections to a petition filed by former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan seeking his transfer to a hospital.
The CJP heard Khan’s appeal against the Registrar Office’s objections in the chambers.
After hearing arguments from Khan’s counsel, Uzair Bhandari, the Chief Justice removed the objections and directed the Registrar’s Office to assign a case number to the petition, and fix it before a Supreme Court bench at the earliest.
The counsel was also directed to submit a duly signed power of attorney.
The Supreme Court further ordered that the petition filed by Dr. Uzma Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, be heard along with the case.
The Registrar’s Office had earlier returned the petition on the grounds that it was not accompanied by a signed power of attorney.
Khan had petitioned the court to order his transfer to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital and grant him access to his family and personal physicians.
The petition also requested that the matter be treated as an appeal and that a medical examination be conducted at the earliest by doctors of his choice, including Dr. Khurram Mirza, Dr. Asim Yusuf, Dr. Faisal Sultan, and Dr. SaminaNiazi.
The petition further prayed that Khan be immediately transferred to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, for treatment and a comprehensive medical examination, while ensuring continued access to his physicians, family members, and legal counsel during his incarceration and treatment.
Similarly, Dr. Uzma Khan had challenged before the Supreme Court the Islamabad High Court’s ruling refusing to order Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital, allow access to his personal physicians, family, and counsel, and provide his medical records to the family.
The petition stated that Khan and his wife were currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail while his two sons lived abroad.
It argued that Dr. Uzma Khan, as his sister and a qualified doctor, had a natural concern for her brother’s health and well-being, which she alleged were being jeopardised by the acts and omissions of the respondents.
It further maintained that Dr. Uzma Khanwas Imran Khan’s closest relative in Pakistan and therefore had the legal standing to file the appeal. Imran Khan has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 5, 2023, after his conviction in the Toshakhana case involving the concealment of gifts.
He was also sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment in the £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case.
His eye condition came to light in late January, and he has since been undergoing medical treatment provided by the government.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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