Pakistan’s former president Dr. Arif Alvi — a qualified dentist and long-time associate of Imran Khan — has sounded a grave warning over the jailed former prime minister’s physical and mental deterioration, urging immediate hospitalization under an independent medical panel.
Imran Khan, 73, has been incarcerated for over three years in connection with multiple cases, including charges related to corruption, sedition, and the violation of marriage laws — all of which his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), says were pursued without proper due process.
PTI and its supporters have consistently alleged that the cases against their leader are politically motivated, designed to sideline the country’s most popular opposition figure, and that his convictions rest on dubious legal grounds.
Let’s be clear: Jail rumours are not medical bulletins
Under UN Mandela Rules 24-26, Imran Khan has the right to:
1. Timely healthcare equal to the community
2. Independent medical examination
3. Specialist treatment plus medication without delayAnything less is a violation… pic.twitter.com/rEMapTLGcQ
— Saffina Ellahi (@SaffinaEllahi1) August 17, 2026
Alvi Explains Khan’s Health Troubles
In a detailed social media post, Dr. Alvi — who has known Khan for over 35 years — said the former premier is being treated for severe daytime anxiety with Citanil and Lexotanil three times a day, and is on three separate blood pressure medications alongside a cholesterol-lowering drug.
Alvi, who also shared copies of the medical reports, noted that Khan’s resting heart rate has jumped from his lifelong low-40s — the mark of an elite athlete — to 54 bpm, calling it a “real shift.” Khan has also reported heart palpitations.
Alvi urgently called for advanced cardiac tests, including a 24-hour Holter monitor, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, and a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to check for blocked arteries. He also criticized the lack of daily blood pressure monitoring and coordinated diet-exercise-medication management.
Imran Khan’s medical reports are alarming. I have gone through them with several specialists, and I am writing this in plain language so every Pakistani can understand exactly what is happening.
In order of priority, this is what worries me most: his anxiety and stress levels,… pic.twitter.com/htRWHo320k
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) August 17, 2026
The former president accused the government of past manipulation of medical reports and said neither Khan’s family nor the public trusts state-appointed doctors alone. “The next three months will decide whether his condition is reversed or becomes permanent,” Alvi wrote, attributing Khan’s peak stress levels to three years of isolation, lack of news or books, and anguish over his family, party workers, and jailed colleagues.
Following Imran Khan’s arrest, the political crisis deepened following the February 2024 general elections, which PTI claims were massively rigged to deprive the party of its mandate.
The party maintains that it won a clear majority but was denied power through systematic electoral manipulation — an allegation the government and election authorities have repeatedly denied.
Imran Khan’s Sister Files Court Petition Against His Solitary Confinement
Adding to the family’s anguish, Imran Khan’s sisters have been trying to meet him for several months, but despite court orders granting them visitation rights, they have reportedly been unable to see their brother, a denial that has further fueled public outrage.
International pressure has also mounted on Pakistan over Khan’s detention conditions. The United Nations and Amnesty International have both called on the Pakistani government to end his solitary confinement, citing concerns over his physical and mental well-being.
Human rights groups have warned that prolonged isolation violates international standards and constitutes cruel and degrading treatment.
Government’s Response
Countering the PTI’s claims, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah defended the government’s handling of Khan’s medical care.
He stated that jail authorities and the judiciary would be held responsible if any negligence occurs, but asserted that Khan has been provided with timely medical attention.
Sanaullah said necessary medical tests have been conducted both at the jail facility and at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Important hearing taking place today in Supreme Court regarding Imran Khan’s medical treatment and meetings with family, lawyers & party members.
Simple case it is if law is followed. Meetings and medical treatment are his fundamental rights.#EnoughIsEnoughFreeKhan pic.twitter.com/5GOkCQwmUj
— Jibran Ilyas (@agentjay2009) August 18, 2026
He further claimed that available information indicates Khan himself is satisfied with the treatment being provided to him. The minister reiterated that all protocols are being followed and that the government remains committed to ensuring the former prime minister’s health needs are met within the existing legal and prison framework.
Khan’s Health Remains Public Concern
The contrasting accounts have intensified political and public debate over Khan’s health, with opposition parties and civil society demanding an independent medical evaluation and potential transfer to a hospital.
As Imran Khan’s Detention Hits Grim Mark, Amnesty Urges Pakistan to End His Solitary Confinement
The government, meanwhile, maintains that adequate care is already in place. No official decision on a hospital transfer has been announced, but pressure is mounting as Alvi’s warning of a three-month window adds urgency to the matter.
With international bodies watching closely and domestic dissent growing, the coming weeks could prove critical — not only for Khan’s health but also for Pakistan’s already fraught political landscape.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 20 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 2010.
