The Government of Pakistan has categorically rejected claims that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is being denied telephone calls or kept in solitary confinement, calling such allegations misleading and contrary to documented facts.
The claims were raised by Khan’s family, including his son, with Zulfi Bukhari also alleging that Khan was deliberately taken to a government hospital instead of a private facility.
However, the government has maintained that Khan was taken to a government hospital due to security concerns. The journalist interviewing Bukhari later clarified that Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), while two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in his ophthalmological assessment.
Speaking to CNN, the Government of Pakistan strongly rejected allegations of mistreatment. It said that the convicted prisoner is being provided facilities in accordance with prison rules, court directions and necessary security arrangements.
Pakistan's government has sent the following statement to CNN:
— Becky Anderson (@BeckyCNN) August 29, 2026
"The convicted prisoner is not a person held under executive detention. His imprisonment follows convictions by courts of competent jurisdiction after judicial proceedings and he remains entitled to pursue all…
“The Government categorically rejects allegations that the convicted prisoner is being subjected to punitive solitary confinement, cruelty or deprivation,” the government said.
It added that Imran Khan has access to visits, telephone calls, reading material and television. The government further stated that he is permitted to have home-cooked food and exercise equipment, and is provided with appropriate dietary facilities.
According to the government, Khan’s accommodation consists of an exclusive seven-cell compound with sleeping, sanitation and exercise facilities. He is also provided separately prepared meals, including meat, chicken, fruit, milk, nuts, juices and bottled water.
The government further rejected claims that Khan’s sons are being prevented from visiting Pakistan, noting that both hold valid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) and are free to visit the country.
Additionally, the government pointed out that Khan’s sister recently praised the eye specialist treating her brother.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has consistently maintained that health matters should not be politicised. The government said it has never adopted a disrespectful attitude towards anyone’s health and has no interest in politicising the convicted prisoner’s medical condition.
In a statement, the government urged CNN to reflect these documented facts in any further reporting and to distinguish between verified custodial and medical records and politically contested allegations.
Imran Khan’s sons’ interview to Sky Sports
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a strong stance after Sky Sports broadcast an interview with Imran Khan’s sons during the lunch interval on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s.
The 18-minute interview, conducted by former England captain and broadcaster Mike Atherton, featured Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman. During the interview, they raised concerns about their father’s treatment by the Pakistan government.
The PCB objected to Sky Sports giving the Khan airtime during the Test and raised the issue with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).