ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s government comes up with detailed defence of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s prison conditions, rejecting allegations of isolation, family separation, inadequate medical care and mistreatment, while urging CNN to incorporate what it describes as “documented” prison and medical records into its future reporting.
The government’s response was posted on X and at the centre of the government’s rebuttal is a stark claim, Imran Khan is not being held in executive detention or deliberately isolated, but is serving sentences handed down by competent courts after judicial proceedings.
Authorities insist that PTI chief continues to get rights and facilities available to a convicted prisoner under Pakistani law, prison regulations, court directives and security requirements. Nearly 200 visitation sessions, more than 900 visitors
The government also strongly rejected claims that Khan has been cut off from his family and the outside world. According to official prison records cited in the statement, around 198 visitation sessions have been held during his imprisonment, involving more than 900 visitors.
Those visitors, the government says, have included Khan’s sisters, family members, lawyers, doctors, political representatives and other approved individuals. Authorities also say former PM has been permitted weekly meetings with his wife, with the most recent recorded meeting taking place on August 4, 2026.
The government said prison records further document contact with family members through telephone, landline and WhatsApp. It also points to recorded telephone conversation between Khan and one of his sons on March 21, 2026, as well as meetings with his sisters on August 18, 19 and 25.
The figures are presented by the government as evidence that Khan has not been completely isolated from his family or the outside world. Seven-cell compound and access to food, exercise and TV. Pakistan’s government also provided an unusually detailed description of the facilities it says have been made available to Khan.
According to statement, the former prime minister has been provided with a special compound comprising seven cells, including facilities for sleeping, sanitation and exercise. Authorities say he has access to visitors, telephone calls, reading material and television. He is also permitted to keep exercise equipment and receive home-cooked food.
The government said food is prepared separately for Khan and includes meat, chicken, fruit, milk, dry fruits, juice and bottled water. It argues that the allegation that Khan is being deprived of adequate food or basic necessities is therefore not supported by the official record.
Officials argue that security restrictions imposed on a high-profile prisoner should not be confused with deliberate isolation. The government says visits and communications are regulated under prison rules, judicial orders and security procedures, insisting that such restrictions do not amount to cutting off contact.
It also stressed that access to a convicted prisoner cannot be used to facilitate unrestricted political communication or political activity from inside prison.
The government devoted major attention to Imran Khan’s health, amid continuing questions over his access to medical treatment.
Screengrab of CNN interview
According to the statement, Khan has undergone approximately 30 medical examinations during his imprisonment.
The government says the examinations have involved specialist teams and medical boards, with institutions including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital involved in his medical care. A prison doctor, authorities add, has also conducted regular examinations.
Khan was diagnosed with a retinal condition and subsequently received specialized treatment. According to the official account, Khan received five intravitreal anti-VEGF injections as part of his treatment. Retinal imaging, medication and follow-up examinations were also carried out, the government officials said.
Authorities specifically cite specialist assessments conducted in July 2026 and on August 21, 2026, saying these examinations found Khan to be conscious and stable, without any serious or untreated deterioration. The government maintains that specialist medical access has not been withdrawn and that treatment remains available according to medical need.
The government also referred to recent comments attributed to Khan’s sister, Dr. Uzma Khan. She called Imran Khan fit, reported his blood pressure normal and said his eye condition had almost completely recovered.
The government also rejected allegations that authorities have failed to comply with Supreme Court directions concerning Khan’s health. According to its statement, Khan received medical examinations in accordance with court instructions and the necessary medical and administrative arrangements were made.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s position, as cited by the government, is that Khan’s health should not be turned into a political issue. The government says it has never adopted a disrespectful approach toward Khan’s health and insists that his medical treatment is continuing as required.
One of the most politically sensitive issues addressed in the government’s response concerns Khan’s sons, who have been unable to visit him in Pakistan. The government says both sons possess National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs).
According to the authorities, a valid NICOP is a recognized travel document for entering Pakistan, meaning the two men can travel to the country whenever they wish. But the government draws distinction between entering Pakistan and being permitted to visit a prisoner. It says prison visitation remains subject to applicable rules, court directives and security procedures.
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