ISLAMABAD – The government of Pakistan has formally rejected what it calls “misleading reports” in foreign media concerning the health and prison conditions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. In a detailed statement issued Saturday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting asserted that official records contradict allegations that the former prime minister has been held in isolation or denied medical treatment.
The ministry characterized claims of punitive solitary confinement, mistreatment, or deprivation as “fake propaganda.” It emphasized that Imran Khan is serving sentences following convictions by courts of competent jurisdiction.
Access to Facilities and Family
According to the ministry, the former prime minister has been provided access to visitors, telephone calls, reading material, television, home-cooked meals, and exercise equipment. He is accommodated in an exclusive seven-cell compound equipped with sleeping, sanitation, and exercise facilities.
The government also disputed reports that Imran had been denied contact with his family. Prison records indicate around 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries, including meetings with his sisters, relatives, lawyers, doctors, and political representatives. He was also allowed weekly meetings with his wife, with the latest such meeting recorded on August 4.
Communication and Medical Care Records
Officials said prison records contain details of telephone, landline, and WhatsApp communications with family members in Pakistan and abroad, including a call with one of his sons on March 21. Meetings with his sisters were recorded on August 18, 19, and 25.
The government further rejected allegations that adequate medical care had been withheld. It said Imran had undergone around 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment by specialist teams and medical boards from Pims, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, in addition to routine assessments by the prison doctor.
The ministry said he had received specialist care for a retinal condition, including five anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medicines, and follow-up consultations. Medical assessments conducted in July and on August 21 described him as “oriented, stable,” with no acute or unmanaged deterioration recorded.
Family Statements and Court Directives
The statement also referred to comments attributed to Imran’s sister, Dr. Uzma Niazi, who reportedly described him as “100 percent fit,” cited a blood pressure reading of 120/80, and said his eye condition had almost completely recovered.
The ministry said Supreme Court directions regarding Imran’s medical examination and treatment had been implemented, with his sister present during the examination. It further pointed out that the Supreme Court had directed Imran’s family, PTI, and lawyers not to publicly disclose or share his medical condition or reports with the media while related proceedings remain pending.
Travel Documents and Official Response
Responding to reports that Imran’s sons could not travel to Pakistan to meet him, the ministry said both possess valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis, which it described as recognized travel documents for entering the country.
The government said his health should be evaluated on the basis of medical records and court directions rather than political claims. It added that regulating visits and communications under prison rules, court orders, and security requirements should not be portrayed as denying access.
The ministry urged foreign media organizations to distinguish between verified custodial and medical records and politically disputed allegations.
