Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday dismissed claims about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, describing them as attempts to incite panic and protests. He highlighted that Imran’s sister, a doctor, along with other medical professionals who recently examined him, confirmed that the former premier was in good health.
Asif shared that Imran’s sister had provided a clear health update, stating he was “completely fit” and that his blood pressure was “perfectly normal.” He emphasized that this positive assessment was not well received by Imran’s supporters, especially those abroad, whom he accused of deliberately fostering an atmosphere of anxiety to provoke unrest and demonstrations.
In a significant development, Asif alleged that these efforts aimed to manufacture a crisis that could destabilize the government and facilitate Imran’s political return. He asserted that these hopes had been frustrated. Furthermore, he claimed that foreign media outlets were complicit in spreading false narratives about Imran’s health, describing these fabrications as a “hoax they desperately need.”
Asif’s remarks coincided with a government response to international reports concerning Imran’s health and detention conditions. The government firmly rejected accusations that Imran was denied adequate medical care, noting that he had undergone nearly 30 examinations by specialist teams and medical boards since his incarceration. These assessments involved reputable institutions such as PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, alongside routine check-ups by the prison doctor.
official statements, specialist evaluations conducted in July and on August 21, 2026, consistently described Imran as “oriented” and “stable,” with no evidence of acute or unmanaged health decline. The government also detailed the treatment Imran received for a retinal condition, including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medication, and follow-up visits.
Notably, Imran’s sister, Dr. Uzma Niazi, recently affirmed to the media that he was “100 percent fit,” citing a blood pressure reading of 120/80. She also mentioned that his eye condition had nearly fully healed and commended the care provided by his eye specialist.
The government further refuted claims that Imran was isolated from his family during detention. Prison records reportedly show approximately 198 interview sessions with over 900 visitor entries, including visits from his sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors, and political representatives. Weekly meetings with his wife were also permitted, with the most recent on August 4, 2026, and visits from his sisters recorded on August 18, 19, and 25.
Authorities stated they have fully complied with Supreme Court directives regarding Imran’s medical examinations and treatment, noting that his sister was present during these assessments. The government urged media outlets to differentiate between verified custodial and medical records and politically motivated allegations, criticizing the politicization of the issue.
