Imran case: Govt urges CNN to distinguish ‘verified records’ from ‘politically contested allegations’

The Pakistani government has urged CNN to differentiate between verified medical records and politically contentious allegations concerning PTI founding chairman Imran Khan's health, following a CNN interview with Imran's aide Zulfi Bukhari. Bukhari claimed the government breached the Supreme Court's ruling by transporting Imran from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to Shifa International Hospital for treatment, rather than allowing him to remain at PIMS.

Bukhari also alleged Dr Faisal Sultan, Imran's personal physician, was barred from examining him during a recent health check-up. CNN's Becky Anderson reported that Imran's family, political party, and ex-cricketers have expressed concerns about his health while incarcerated. She spoke with Bukhari about Imran's current condition and a court case filed by his party against the Pakistani government over the hospital visit.

Anderson also mentioned a Sky Sports interview where Imran's sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, voiced fears he might not survive prison. CNN obtained a statement from PIMS regarding Imran's treatment, which stated that the former prime minister was admitted to the hospital in Islamabad on the night of August 20-21 for medical examination and treatment.

PIMS noted that two Shifa International Hospital specialists participated in the ophthalmological assessment, with other examinations performed by PIMS specialists. The hospital emphasized that Imran's medical report remained confidential due to patient privacy and Supreme Court directives. The Pakistani government vehemently denied Bukhari's allegations, stating that Imran's incarceration resulted from court convictions and adhered to the Pakistan Prison Rules, judicial orders, and security measures for a prominent inmate.

The government detailed the facilities provided to Imran, including an exclusive seven-cell compound, tailored meals, and separate accommodations. They rejected claims that Imran was entirely isolated from his family, citing over 900 visitor entries in prison records since his arrest, including family members, lawyers, doctors, and political representatives.

The government also affirmed that Imran received adequate medical care and complied with Supreme Court directives, stating he underwent approximately 30 medical examinations by specialists from various institutions, including PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.