The Government of Pakistan has rejected allegations by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that he is facing cruelty, mental torture, solitary confinement and medical neglect.
According to The Washington Post, citing an Associated Press report, the Ministry of Information said in a written response that Imran Khan is not being held in prison under a government order but is serving sentences imposed by courts following judicial proceedings as a convicted prisoner.
The government’s position came hours after Khan’s family and PTI accused authorities of violating a Supreme Court order by transferring him to a government hospital for a medical examination instead of the private hospital designated by the court.
Objection to Imran Khan’s Transfer to PIMS
According to The Washington Post, Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, said at a news conference that she was at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad when her brother was brought there overnight.
Uzma Khan said Imran Khan complained during their meeting that he had been kept in solitary confinement, which she described as mental torture.
Senior PTI leader Suhail Afridi also accused the government of violating the Supreme Court’s order by transferring Khan to the government hospital.
Khan’s personal physician, Dr. Faisal Sultan, said he had gone to Shifa International Hospital, where he waited for Khan until Friday morning.
Government Denies Solitary Confinement Allegations
The Ministry of Information also rejected allegations that Imran Khan was being held in solitary confinement or denied meaningful contact with his family.
According to the ministry, Khan has received more than 900 visits from family members, lawyers, doctors, political representatives and other approved visitors since his imprisonment in 2023.
The government said Khan is allowed weekly meetings with his wife and has access to telephone, landline and WhatsApp communication with relatives in Pakistan and abroad.
According to the Ministry of Information, Khan’s last recorded telephone conversation with one of his sons took place on March 21, while his sisters met him as recently as August 18 and 19.
The ministry further said access to Khan cannot be used to send political messages from prison.
Government Says Imran Khan Has Undergone Around 30 Medical Examinations
The Ministry of Information also rejected allegations of medical neglect, saying Khan regularly receives medical examinations from the prison doctor.
According to the ministry, Imran Khan has undergone around 30 medical examinations by various specialists and medical boards. These included experts from PIMS, Shifa International Hospital, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.
The ministry claimed that Uzma Khan had also described her brother as “100% fit” during Friday’s news conference. According to the government, Khan’s blood pressure was recorded at 120/80, while his eye condition had almost completely recovered.
What Facilities Does Imran Khan Have in Prison?
The Ministry of Information also provided details about Khan’s prison conditions, saying he is housed in a compound consisting of seven cells with facilities for sleeping, sanitation and exercise.
According to the government, Khan is provided separately prepared meals that include meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices and bottled water.
The government said he also has access to reading material and television, as well as exercise equipment.
Security Concerns Cited for Transfer to PIMS
According to the report, the government said the decision to transfer Khan to the government hospital instead of Shifa International was made because of security concerns.
The government said PTI supporters had gathered outside Shifa International Hospital or were heading toward the hospital, prompting authorities to move Khan to PIMS.
The government said Khan was found to be in good health following his medical examination.
Thus, while Khan’s family and PTI have alleged solitary confinement, mental torture and medical neglect, the government has rejected the allegations, citing prison and medical records.
Also Read: Medical Board Prepares Report After Imran Khan’s PIMS Examination
