Govt rejects foreign reports on Imran’s prison conditions

The federal government has rejected reports in foreign media about the prison conditions and medical

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has rejected reports in foreign media about the prison conditions and medical treatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, describing the claims as misleading and inconsistent with official records.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Imran was serving sentences handed down by courts and denied allegations that he was being kept in punitive isolation or deprived of basic facilities and medical care.

The ministry said the former prime minister had access to visitors, telephone communication, reading material, television and exercise facilities. It added that he was being housed in a separate seven-cell compound equipped with sleeping, sanitation and exercise arrangements.

Responding to claims that Imran had been cut off from his family, the ministry cited prison records showing around 198 meeting sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries. These included his sisters, relatives, lawyers, doctors and political associates.

The government said he had also been allowed regular meetings with his wife, with the latest visit recorded on August 4. Records also showed meetings with his sisters on August 18, 19 and 25.

The ministry further said prison records contained details of telephone, landline and WhatsApp communications with family members in Pakistan and abroad. It cited a call between Imran and one of his sons on March 21.

The government also rejected allegations that Imran was being denied adequate medical treatment. According to the ministry, he has undergone around 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment, including assessments by specialist teams and medical boards.

Doctors and specialists from several institutions, including PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, were involved in his treatment, while prison medical staff continued routine examinations.

The ministry said Imran had received specialist treatment for a retinal problem. His treatment included five anti-VEGF injections, retinal scans, medication and follow-up assessments.

It added that medical evaluations conducted in July and again on August 21 described his condition as stable and said there was no sign of acute or unmanaged deterioration.

The government also referred to remarks attributed to Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Niazi, who it said recently described him as fully fit. The ministry said she had also reported a blood pressure reading of 120/80 and indicated that his eye condition had almost recovered.

The information ministry said directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding Imran’s medical examination and treatment had been followed. It added that his sister was present during the relevant medical examination.

The government further pointed out that the Supreme Court had directed Imran’s family, political party and lawyers not to publicly disclose or circulate information about his medical condition or reports while related proceedings remained pending.

The ministry urged media organisations to rely on verified medical and custodial records rather than politically disputed claims. It said restrictions on meetings and communication, when imposed under prison regulations, court orders or security requirements, should not automatically be interpreted as a complete denial of access.

Regarding reports that Imran’s sons could not travel to Pakistan to meet him, the ministry said both possessed valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis, which it described as recognised travel documents for entry into the country.