International media outlets have rejected claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding Imran Khan’s alleged solitary confinement, torture and lack of medical facilities in jail, with reports citing the Pakistani government’s position and available official records.
Major international news organisations, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, AFP and The Canadian Press, have reported on the controversy surrounding the former prime minister’s imprisonment, highlighting the government’s response to allegations made by his family and party.
According to a report published by the Associated Press and The Canadian Press on August 21, the Pakistani government rejected allegations of “abuse, mental anguish, punitive solitary confinement and medical neglect” made by Imran Khan’s family and PTI.
The Ministry of Information maintained that Imran Khan is serving prison sentences following court verdicts and said the allegations against jail authorities were not supported by prison and medical records.
The government also rejected claims that Imran Khan was being held in solitary confinement, saying he has been allowed access to family members, lawyers and doctors.
Officials further claimed that Imran Khan has had more than 900 meetings during his imprisonment and has been provided with home-cooked food, exercise facilities and other amenities.
Imran Khan’s medical condition becomes key point of dispute
The former prime minister’s health has emerged as one of the most contentious issues between PTI and the government.
Earlier this year, concerns were raised over the vision in Imran Khan’s right eye. His family and party claimed that his eyesight had significantly deteriorated, while government officials later maintained that medical examinations showed improvement in his condition.
The issue also featured prominently in recent court proceedings. On August 18, the Supreme Court ordered that Imran Khan be shifted to a private hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination. The court also directed that his personal physician be included in the medical board alongside specialist doctors.
The court further allowed weekly meetings between Imran Khan and his family and directed that he be allowed telephone contact with his sons.
The government subsequently filed a review petition against the order to shift Imran Khan to a private hospital. It argued that prisoners should not receive preferential treatment in medical matters and warned that allowing treatment at a private hospital could lead other prisoners to make similar demands.
Imran Khan shifted to PIMS instead of private hospital
On August 20, Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) instead of a private hospital.
The government described the decision as a security-related measure rather than a political one, saying security concerns and the possibility of a large gathering had been taken into consideration.
After undergoing a medical examination, Imran Khan was taken back to Adiala Jail. Government officials said doctors had declared him medically fit.
PTI rejected the government’s explanation and accused it of violating the Supreme Court’s order. The party also announced plans to pursue contempt of court proceedings.
Reuters reported that PTI had decided to file a contempt petition against the government, maintaining that Imran Khan should have been shifted to a private hospital in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive.
Also read: Review petition against Imran Khan’s hospital transfer refiled