Facing growing criticism over health of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistan on Saturday issued a comprehensive clarification, rejecting allegations of mistreatment while detailing facilities provided to the 73-year-old leader.
A series of international media reports painted a grim picture of the Khan, who has been jailed for more three years after convictions in cases, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and independent legal experts allege were politically motivated and that prosecution lacked a due process of law.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a point-by-point response on its official X account, pushing back against what it termed “misleading stories being pushed through few foreign media outlets” regarding the detention conditions of Khan.
Khan has been diagnosed with severe vision loss in one eye, and also reportedly complained of high blood pressure. Khan’s sisters and sons have accused Islamabad of keeping him solitary confinement and denying him fair treatment in violation of the law.
Taking notice of certain misleading stories being pushed through few foreign media outlets with respect to a certain convicted prisoner, it is felt appropriate to bring on record the response already shared in this regard with the concerned outlets publicly; not only for…
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) August 29, 2026
Government Details Prison Facilities
Islamabad firmly rejected allegations that Khan is being held in isolation, asserting: “The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects allegations that the convicted prisoner is being subjected to punitive solitary confinement, cruelty or deprivation.”
The ministry emphasized that “Visits, telephone calls, reading material and television access are provided in accordance with prison rules, court directions and necessary security arrangements.”
According to the government, Khan’s accommodation “includes an exclusive seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation and exercise facilities.” The statement further detailed that “He receives separately prepared meals, including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices and bottled water.”
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Controversy Over Medical Care
Khan has reportedly suffered from multiple health issues during his incarceration, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and significant vision loss in his right eye, which had deteriorated to just 15 percent as of February 2026.
His sisters Aleema Khanum and Dr. Uzma Khan have been vocal about these concerns, and the contempt of court case—scheduled for hearing on September 16—represents an escalation in the legal battle over his treatment.
Saturday’s official statement defended the government record, stating “since his imprisonment, the convicted prisoner has undergone approximately 30 medical examinations by specialist teams and medical boards involving institutions including PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, in addition to regular examinations by the prison doctor.”
Addressing Khan’s eye condition, which has reportedly resulted in significant vision loss in one eye, the government noted: “Following the diagnosis of a retinal condition, the convicted prisoner received specialist treatment, including five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, retinal imaging, medication and subsequent follow-up examinations.”
The ministry maintained that “specialist assessments, including those conducted in July 2026 and on 21 August 2026, show that the clinical record repeatedly describes him as oriented, stable and without any recorded acute or unmanaged deterioration.”
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Government Cites Sister’s Contradictory Statements
In a significant portion of the statement, the government cited comments from Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Niazi, to bolster its position:
“It is also significant that, during her own recent interaction with the media, Dr. Uzma Niazi, sister of the convicted prisoner, stated that he was ‘100 percent fit,’ cited a blood pressure reading of 120/80, and indicated that his eye condition had almost completely healed. She also praised the treating eye specialist for the quality of the treatment provided. Her own account, therefore, does not support allegations of deliberate or systematic medical neglect.”
Despite the government’s detailed defense, Khan’s family has presented a starkly different picture.
His sons have described their father being kept in “complete isolation” and have expressed alarm over his mental state, citing severe anxiety and palpitations. The family has also reported that Khan has been denied contact with his personal physicians, and his sisters have alleged that visas are being withheld to prevent his sons from visiting.
Political Messaging and Media Restrictions Addressed
In a notable statement, the government addressed what it views as the politicization of Khan’s health and detention.
The ministry noted that “the Supreme Court had specifically directed that, pending further proceedings, members of the convicted prisoner’s family, his political party and associated lawyers should not disclose or share his health condition or medical reports with the media or the public.”
The government distinguished between medical care and political activity, stating: “The convicted prisoner’s medical treatment has continued as required and his access to specialist care has not been discontinued. A medical matter should therefore be assessed on the basis of the clinical record and applicable judicial directions rather than converted into a political controversy.”
The statement further emphasized: “At the same time, access to a convicted prisoner cannot be used as a platform for unrestricted political communication or political activity from inside prison. Reasonable regulation of visits and communications, consistent with prison rules, court orders and security requirements, should not be mischaracterized as denial of access.”
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Sons’ Travel and Visitation
Regarding Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, who reside abroad and have raised concerns about their father’s isolation, the government noted: “The Government wishes to place on record that both hold valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs).
“A valid NICOP is a recognized travel document for entry into Pakistan and may be used by them whenever they choose to travel to the country.
“Their ability to travel to Pakistan should therefore not be conflated with the separate question of prison visitation, which remains subject to applicable prison rules, judicial directions and security procedures.”
International Criticism
This year, Amnesty International and the United Nations criticized Pakistani jail authorities, with a UN special rapporteur warning that Khan’s conditions could amount to inhuman or degrading treatment.
These international rebukes have added pressure on the Pakistani government, which has consistently maintained that Khan’s detention and treatment comply with legal standards.
Over the last few weeks, Imran Khan’s sons appeared on Sky Sports, and gave interviews to major outlets including CNN, The Financial Times and Al Jazeera channel.
US media is finally starting to pick up on the Imran Khan issue and his sons’ interview controversy, with CNN — home to Christiane Amanpour, a close personal friend of Khan — having led the charge in a podcast last week. https://t.co/3GPCANmBsd
— Caitlin Doornbos (@CaitlinDoornbos) August 29, 2026
Their accusations of inhumane treatment of Imran Khan sparked outrage among Pakistani diaspora communities and several commentaries and activists condemned the government for what has been described as a “deliberate” attempt to harm Imran Khan.
A group of former cricketers wrote another letter appealing fair treatment of Khan, the winning captain of 1992 World Cup and widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all time.
Legendary Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad and wicketkeeper Moin Khan, Indian greats Sunil Gawaskar and Kapil Dev, Australian Greg Chapel and several English players including Michael Atherton voiced their support for Khan’s wellness.
Javed Miandad’s emotional appeal for Khan’s freedom as a footage showing him crying with tears rolling down his cheeks went viral.
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.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
