Pakistan’s Supreme Court registry has returned a review petition challenging the order allowing former prime minister Imran Khan to be transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, according to Pakistani media reports.

The petition was filed by Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner against the Supreme Court’s August 18 direction. The registry reportedly raised objections over procedural deficiencies, including incomplete documentation and missing pages in the paper books.

The return does not amount to a judicial rejection of the government’s challenge. Authorities can address the objections and submit the petition again for consideration.

Court Ordered Hospital Transfer

A three-member Supreme Court bench ordered authorities on August 18 to shift Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

The court also directed authorities to establish a medical board comprising relevant specialists and Khan’s personal physician to assess his condition.

The order allowed Khan to remain at the hospital until September 16, subject to the medical and legal arrangements specified by the court.

The decision came after continuing concerns over Khan’s health and access to specialist medical care while in custody.

Government Challenges Court Order

The Shehbaz Sharif government subsequently sought a review of the Supreme Court’s direction through Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik.

The government argued that the interim order had effectively granted Khan the relief sought in his petition before the matter received a final determination.

It also questioned whether transferring a prisoner to a private hospital was compatible with existing prison regulations.

The government maintained that medical treatment could be provided without creating an arrangement that might give one prisoner privileges unavailable to others.

Registry Raises Objections

The Supreme Court registry returned the review petition after identifying filing-related problems, according to reports cited by Pakistani media.

The objections reportedly include deficiencies in the paperwork and incomplete paper books. These are procedural issues and do not represent a ruling on whether the government's arguments have merit.

The Chief Commissioner can correct the deficiencies and file the petition again.

This means the dispute over Khan's hospital transfer remains legally open.

Khan's Health Under Focus

Khan's health has remained a politically sensitive issue since his imprisonment.

The former prime minister has been in custody since 2023 and remains the most prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). His family and party have repeatedly sought greater access to medical specialists and raised concerns about his eyesight and other health issues.

Khan's supporters have also accused the government of restricting his access to appropriate medical treatment, allegations that authorities have rejected.

The government has said it does not oppose necessary medical care for Khan but disputes the mechanism ordered by the court.

Private Hospital Becomes Flashpoint

The choice of Shifa International Hospital has become a central point in the government's challenge.

Authorities have argued that allowing a prisoner to receive treatment at a private facility could create complications under existing prison rules and establish a precedent for similar requests.

The government has instead emphasised that any treatment should follow established prison and medical procedures.

The Supreme Court's August 18 order, however, specifically directed Khan's transfer for medical assessment and treatment.

PTI Closely Watches Case

The latest development is likely to draw close attention from PTI leaders and Khan's supporters.

The former premier remains at the centre of Pakistan's political opposition despite his imprisonment and multiple legal cases. His treatment in custody has repeatedly become a flashpoint between his party and the government.

Any further delay in the hospital transfer could therefore carry political as well as legal consequences.

Legal Challenge Still Open

The registry's decision does not prevent the government from pursuing its review petition.

Once the filing deficiencies are corrected, the petition can be presented again before the Supreme Court. The court will then decide whether to entertain the review and examine the government's objections to the original transfer order.

For now, the dispute remains unresolved, with Khan's medical treatment, prison conditions and judicial relief continuing to intersect in a politically charged case. The next filing by the Shehbaz Sharif government will determine whether its challenge to the Imran Khan hospital transfer reaches substantive consideration by Pakistan's top court.