Info ministry urges foreign media to reflect 'documented facts' in reporting on Imran Khan
Rejects reports of isolation, medical neglect of PTI founder in jail
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan has cautioned foreign media to base their reporting on documented facts when covering the case of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former premier. The government expressed concern over unfounded political allegations made by some outlets. Days earlier, Imran's sons had appeared on Sky News, raising concerns about their father's health.
In August, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan had expressed worries about their father's poor health, stating they had not seen him since November 2022. They claimed they had applied for visas in January but had not received a response. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, serving a sentence in a corruption case. He is also facing pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to protests in May 2023.
The ministry rejected reports that Imran was being held in solitary confinement, denied access to family, or receiving inadequate medical care. It stated that official prison and medical records did not support these claims, describing them as "misleading" and "propaganda." The former premier's sentences were awarded by courts, not under executive detention.
The ministry highlighted that Imran was allowed visits, telephone calls, reading material, TV access, home-cooked food, and exercise equipment. Imran's accommodation included an exclusive seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation, and exercise facilities. The government also disputed claims that Imran had been completely isolated from his family, citing over 198 interview sessions involving more than 900 visitors since his imprisonment.
Imran has been permitted weekly meetings with his wife, and recent meetings have involved his sisters, lawyers, doctors, political representatives, and other approved persons. The ministry rejected allegations of medical neglect, stating that Imran had undergone around 30 medical examinations by specialist teams and boards. These examinations were conducted in various hospitals, including PIMS, Shifa International, Shaukat Khanum, and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospitals.
Recent assessments described Imran as oriented and stable, with no recorded acute or unmanaged deterioration.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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