The federal government has dismissed what it describes as misleading narratives propagated by certain international media regarding former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. It labeled these reports as part of a deliberate propaganda campaign driven by a “foreign agenda.”
In a detailed rebuttal issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s External Publicity Wing, the government addressed multiple allegations related to Khan’s incarceration, family visits, communication, and medical care. It emphasized that these claims lacked support from official custodial and medical records.
The ministry underscored the importance of distinguishing between verified records and politically motivated accusations, calling on foreign media to exercise caution when reporting on such sensitive matters.
Notably, the government clarified that Khan is a convicted prisoner, held following judicial proceedings and court convictions, rather than being under executive detention. His imprisonment is governed by Pakistan Prison Rules, judicial directives, and security protocols applicable to high-profile detainees. Khan retains the right to pursue all legal remedies available under Pakistani law.
In a significant development, the government categorically rejected allegations of punitive solitary confinement, mistreatment, or deprivation. It confirmed that Khan is granted access to visits, telephone calls, reading materials, and television, all in line with prison regulations, court orders, and security considerations.
Further, the ministry stated that Khan is allowed home-cooked meals and exercise equipment, with specific dietary arrangements tailored to his needs. His living quarters include an exclusive seven-cell compound equipped with sleeping, sanitation, and exercise facilities. His diet reportedly comprises meat, chicken, fruits, milk, nuts, juices, and bottled water.
Addressing claims of isolation, the government revealed that since Khan’s imprisonment, official records document nearly 200 interview sessions involving over 900 visitor entries. Visitors have included his sisters, family members, legal representatives, doctors, political figures, and other authorized individuals. Weekly meetings with his wife have been permitted, with the most recent recorded on August 4, 2026.
Meanwhile, the ministry refuted assertions that Khan was denied communication with his family. Prison logs show telephone, landline, and WhatsApp contacts with relatives both in Pakistan and abroad, including a call with one of his sons on March 21, 2026. Visits from his sisters were recorded on August 18, 19, and 25.
The government also strongly denied accusations of medical neglect or failure to comply with Supreme Court directives related to Khan’s health examinations and treatment. Since his incarceration on August 5, 2023, Khan has undergone approximately 30 medical evaluations by specialist teams and medical boards, including assessments at PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, alongside routine prison doctor examinations.
Regarding his eye condition, the government confirmed that Khan received specialist care involving five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medication, and follow-up assessments. Evaluations conducted in July 2026 and on August 21 described him as oriented and stable, with no acute or unmanaged deterioration documented.
Additionally, the ministry cited recent comments from Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma, who described him as “100 percent fit,” citing a blood pressure reading of 120/80 and noting his eye condition had nearly healed. She also praised the treating eye specialist, contradicting claims of systematic medical neglect.
The government emphasized that Supreme Court medical directives had been fully implemented, with Khan examined as per court orders and necessary medical and administrative arrangements made. His sister was present during these examinations.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reiterated its stance against politicizing health issues, stating the government has consistently adhered to the Supreme Court’s instructions and transparently shared relevant facts regarding Khan’s medical care.
Moreover, the government highlighted a specific Supreme Court order restricting Khan’s family, political party, and lawyers from publicly disclosing his medical information or health status pending further proceedings. It stressed the importance of respecting confidentiality to prevent the misuse of medical data for political purposes.
Regarding prison access, the government rejected claims that regulated visits equate to denial of access. It explained that access to a convicted prisoner must be balanced with security and legal requirements, and cannot serve as a platform for unrestricted political activity.
Finally, the government addressed reports about Khan’s sons’ travel restrictions, clarifying that both hold valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), recognized as valid travel documents for entry into Pakistan.
