ISLAMABAD: The government has rejected reports by foreign media concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s prison conditions and medical treatment, saying official prison and medical records contradict claims that he has been isolated or denied adequate healthcare.
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Imran, who is serving sentences following convictions by courts, had access to visitors, telephone calls, reading material, television, home-cooked food and exercise facilities.
The ministry said Imran was housed in a seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation and exercise facilities and rejected allegations that he was being subjected to solitary confinement or deprived of basic services.
What do prison records show?
According to the ministry, prison records contain approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries.
The visitors included Imran’s sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors and political representatives. The ministry also said he had been permitted weekly meetings with his wife, with the latest recorded meeting taking place on August 4.
It said telephone, landline and WhatsApp communications with family members in Pakistan and abroad were also recorded, including a call with one of his sons on March 21.
The ministry said meetings with Imran’s sisters were recorded on August 18, 19 and 25.
Regarding his sons’ ability to visit Pakistan, the government said both hold National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis, which it described as valid travel documents for entry into the country.
What does the government say about his medical treatment?
The ministry said Imran had undergone approximately 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment, including assessments by specialist teams and medical boards.
Doctors and specialists from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital were involved in his treatment, alongside regular examinations by the prison doctor.
The government said Imran received treatment for a retinal condition, including five anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medication and follow-up examinations.
According to the ministry, specialist assessments conducted in July and on August 21 described him as “oriented, stable” and recorded no acute or unmanaged deterioration.
The ministry also cited comments attributed to Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Niazi, who it said recently described him as “100 percent fit” and reported a blood pressure reading of 120/80. She also said his eye condition had almost completely healed, according to the ministry.
The government said Supreme Court directions concerning Imran’s medical examinations and treatment had been implemented and that his sister was present during the examination.
What did the Supreme Court direct?
The Ministry of Information said the Supreme Court had directed Imran’s family, political party and associated lawyers not to disclose or share his health condition or medical reports with the media or public while related proceedings remain pending.
The government said medical issues should be assessed through clinical records and judicial directions rather than political claims.
It also said restrictions on visits and communications, where imposed in accordance with prison rules, court orders and security requirements, should not automatically be interpreted as denial of access.
The ministry urged foreign media organisations to distinguish between verified custodial and medical records and allegations that remain disputed.