Info ministry rejects ‘misleading’ foreign media reports on ‘convicted prisoner’

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) dismissed as "misleading" foreign media reports concerning a "convicted prisoner" detained in Pakistan. This came after CNN anchor Becky Anderson interviewed Zulfi Bukhari, a former aide to PTI founder Imran Khan, on television. The statement clarified that Imran is not a person held under executive detention and that he was incarcerated based on multiple convictions following judicial proceedings.

The ministry asserted that Imran remains entitled to pursue all remedies available under Pakistani law and is governed by the Pakistan Prison Rules, applicable judicial directives, and security arrangements appropriate for a high-profile prisoner. The ministry rejected allegations of punitive solitary confinement, cruelty, or deprivation, stating that Imran had access to amenities such as exclusive seven-cell accommodation, sleep and sanitation facilities, exercise, visits, phone calls, reading materials, home-cooked meals, and meetings with family and political representatives.

They further denied allegations that Imran was denied meetings with his family and party members, noting that such visits were allowed, with recent meetings occurring on August 4. The ministry also dismissed claims of Imran being denied appropriate medical care or not complying with a Supreme Court order directing a transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Despite the court order, Imran was moved to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for examination in the early hours of the previous Friday, with his sister Dr Uzma Khan present. The ministry documented approximately 198 interview sessions involving over 900 visitor entries and regular medical examinations totaling around 30 since Imran's imprisonment, including specialist treatments for his eye condition.

The MOIB emphasized that the Supreme Court order had been complied with, and the prisoner's physical health should not be politicized. They reiterated that the government respects individuals' health and has no intention of politicizing Imran's medical condition, citing adherence to court directions and transparent, consistent documentation of medical care.