ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government on Saturday rejected allegations of solitary confinement, mistreatment, restricted family access and inadequate medical care of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, saying his detention and treatment are being governed by prison rules, court directions and security arrangements.
In a detailed statement sent to CNN, the government said Imran Khan was not being held under executive detention but was imprisoned following convictions by competent courts after judicial proceedings.
The statement was followed by a video interview of Imran’s close aide Zulfi Bukhari to CNN, who made the allegations that the government violated the apex court’s categorical orders.
“Imran Khan’s family, political party and fellow cricket players are sounding the alarm over his deteriorating health in prison,” the report added. However, the government dismissed the claims in a written statement to the US broadcaster.
“His imprisonment is governed by the Pakistan Prison Rules, applicable judicial directions and security arrangements appropriate to a high-profile prisoner,” the statement said.
I want to note this statement CNN obtained from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences about Khan’s treatment:
Mr. Imran Khan Niazi was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, during the intervening night of 20 and 21 August 2026 for medical…
— Becky Anderson (@BeckyCNN) August 28, 2026
The government added that visits, telephone calls, reading material and television access are provided in accordance with prison rules, court directions and necessary security arrangements.
“The convicted prisoner is also permitted home-cooked food and exercise equipment and is provided appropriate dietary facilities. His accommodation includes an exclusive seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation and exercise facilities. He receives separately prepared meals, including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices and bottled water,” it added.
The statement also dismissed claims that Khan has been completely isolated or denied contact with his family.
“Since his imprisonment, records show approximately 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitor entries, including his sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors, political representatives and other approved visitors,” the government clarified.
“He has also been permitted weekly meetings with his wife, with the latest recorded meeting taking place on 4 August 2026.”
Govt denies allegations about medical care
The government also categorically rejected allegations that the convicted prisoner has been denied appropriate medical care or that the authorities failed to comply with the directions of the Supreme Court concerning his medical examination and treatment.
“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.”
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 statement added.
It added that specialist assessments, including those conducted in July 2026 and on August 21, 2026, show that the clinical record repeatedly describes him as oriented, stable and without any recorded acute or unmanaged deterioration.
“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.”
The statement further alleged that the orders of the Supreme Court were fully implemented and the convicted prisoner was examined in accordance with the Court’s directions.
“The relevant medical and administrative arrangements were made accordingly. His sister was also present during the medical examination.”
“Ato 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,” it stated.
Talking about the allegations that the convicted prisoner’s sons are unable to travel to Pakistan to visit their father, the government, in a statement, mentioned that both hold valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs).
“A valid NICOP is a recognised travel document for entry into Pakistan and may be used by them whenever they choose to travel to the country,” it said. “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.”
To conclude, the government urged CNN to reflect these “documented facts in any further reporting on the matter and to distinguish between verified custodial and medical records and politically contested allegations.”
