Govt "Flouts" SC Order: Imran Taken to PIMS, Not Shifa; Sister Reveals Torture Claims

By Nazrana Times Bureau

Islamabad | August 21, 2026 !

In an emotional press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House on Thursday, Dr. Uzma Khan, sister of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, disclosed that her brother has complained of facing "severe injustice and torture" during his detention at Adiala Jail.
The revelation comes just 48 hours after the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan's immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for urgent medical treatment — an order that PTI alleges the government has already defied.
“He Told Me He Is Being Tortured”

Speaking before the media, Dr. Uzma who has been appointed to a newly constituted medical board by the apex court — said Imran Khan shared his ordeal during their meeting at the jail.
"He told me clearly that he is facing severe injustice and torture," she said, her voice trembling. "This is not just about politics anymore. This is about a man's basic human rights."
Dr. Uzma also conveyed a direct message from the PTI founder to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur: “Expedite and intensify your efforts.”

PIMS vs. Shifa: Confusion Over Hospital Transfer

The press conference added to the confusion surrounding Imran Khan's medical care. While the Supreme Court explicitly ordered his shifting to the private Shifa International Hospital — and barred all political activity, media talks, and press conferences outside the facility — Dr. Uzma revealed she was present at the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
PTI has since accused the government of "flouting" the apex court's order. Party sources confirmed that instead of remaining at Shifa Hospital as directed, Imran Khan was shifted back to Adiala Jail late Thursday.

Supreme Court's Stern Warning

The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, had on Tuesday directed that Imran be moved to Shifa for treatment of his deteriorating health, including cardiac and blood pressure complications. The court explicitly instructed his family and lawyers not to share medical reports with the media.
The bench further warned that if its directives were violated, the order itself could be withdrawn. The hearing has been adjourned until September 16, 2026.

Sisters' Long Struggle

Dr. Uzma's appearance today marks the latest chapter in the Khan family's public campaign for his rights. Her elder sister, Aleema Khan, has held multiple press conferences outside Adiala Jail in recent months, including one on August 19 following the SC order. Another sister, Noreen Niazi, met Imran at the jail on Tuesday after a gap of nearly nine months.
In November 2025, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi, and Dr. Uzma were allegedly manhandled and detained by police while protesting peacefully outside the jail after being denied their weekly meeting — an incident that drew widespread condemnation.

What Happens Next?

With the Supreme Court's September 16 hearing looming, all eyes are on whether the government will fully comply with the shifting order or risk the court's ire. For now, Dr. Uzma's revelations have reignited the debate over prison conditions for high-profile detainees and the state's treatment of Pakistan's most prominent political prisoner.